Establishing activity centers for elderly people in metropolitan areas of Vietnam: preference and willingness-to-pay

Abstract

Purpose and aim

The activity center (AC), an effective model for health support and health-related quality of life improvements for older people, has been operating for many years worldwide. This study aimed to assess the necessity of and preference for attending AC and its desired functions and facilities in elderly people in Vietnam.

Subjects and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at parks and senior clubs, with 121 participants from 6 February to 20 April 2017, in Hanoi. The health status, preference, and willingness-to-pay for AC use of respondents were assessed.

Results

Over 75% of respondents agreed to establish an AC for older people. Among them, approximately 71.7% were willing to pay a monthly fee for this center. Elderly individuals who obtain regular physical examination when feeling pain/discomfort and who were participating in clubs for elder people were more likely to agree to establish and pay for an AC. Meanwhile, women who have to take care of grandchildren, people who were saving money and people who had children working in organizations or who were freelancers were less likely to agree to establish and pay for AC.

Conclusion

The results suggest the feasibility of establishment of ACs in Vietnam, with a high proportion of participants agreeing to such establishing and willing to pay for the AC.

Keywords:

• activity center
• older people
• elderly
• Vietnam

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank the teachers working at Hanoi Medical University and family and friends who had useful advice to help us complete this study.

Disclosure

Carl A Latkin reports grants from the US NIH, during the conduct of the study. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.