Factors associated with healthy ageing among older persons in Senior Citizens Activity Centres (Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas, PAWE), Klang Valley, Malaysia: a cross-sectional study

Malaysia is undergoing a demographic transition towards an ageing population, posing significant implications for public health planning. Understanding factors that promote healthy ageing is crucial to maintaining functional independence and quality of life. This study aimed to determine the level of healthy ageing and identify associated factors among older persons registered at Senior Citizens Activity Centres (Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas, PAWE) in the Klang Valley. A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2024 and August 2025 among 230 older persons aged 60 years and above registered at 20 Senior Citizens Activity Centres (PAWE) in Klang Valley, Malaysia (Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya), selected using probability proportionate to size sampling. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS Version 30.0. The healthy ageing level was the dependent variable, measured using the 15-item Healthy Ageing Questionnaire (HAQ) and classified as high (> 70%) vs. low (≤ 70%), while independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics, physical and mental health, multimorbidity, physical activity, and social support. Bivariate analyses were performed using simple logistic regression. Multivariable logistic regression was subsequently conducted to identify factors associated with high level of healthy ageing. The response rate was 98.3%, and the prevalence of a high level of healthy ageing was 51.8%. Multivariable analysis showed that being female (AOR = 4.121, 95% CI: 1.699–9.994), reporting good self-rated health (AOR = 4.553, 95% CI: 2.150–9.644), not at risk of depression (AOR = 6.107, 95% CI: 2.125–17.552), and having no risk of social isolation (AOR = 4.848, 95% CI: 2.420–9.711) were significant factors associated with high level of healthy ageing. Female gender, good self-rated health, not at risk of depression, and no risk of social isolation were the significant factors associated with high level of healthy ageing. Public health strategies should prioritise strengthening the physical, mental, and social domains, with PAWE centres serving as key platforms to implement interventions that support healthy ageing in Malaysia.