Psychosocial and oral health factors associated with perception of ageing in Thai older adults

Perception of ageing refers to individuals’ subjective evaluation of their own ageing process and is an important determinant of health and well-being in later life. However, its relationship with oral health and oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) remains underexplored. This study investigated factors associated with perception of ageing and their relationships with oral health and OHRQoL among older Thai adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ang Thong Province, Thailand, among cognitively intact adults aged 60 and older. Perception of ageing, the main outcome, was assessed using the Thai short form of the Attitudes to Ageing Questionnaire. OHRQoL was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14, oral function using the Chulalongkorn University Masticatory Index, and oral examinations recorded the number of natural teeth and posterior occluding pairs. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with perception of ageing. A total of 421 older adults participated (mean age = 71.4 ± 7.6 years; 70.3% female). For the Psychological Growth subscale, factors associated with more positive perceptions included working status, healthcare scheme, independent living ability, no long waiting times for dental visits, and lower psychological discomfort. For the Physical Change subscale, associated factors included regular exercise, self-sufficiency, dental check-ups, no long waiting time for dental visits, and physical pain. For the Psychosocial Loss subscale, associated factors included sex, education level, working status, regular exercise, perceived dental calculus, and social disability. Better oral health–related quality of life was consistently associated with more positive perceptions of ageing. Perception of ageing was associated with socioeconomic, behavioral, and oral health factors. These findings highlight the crucial role of oral health in promoting healthy ageing, as it impacts functional abilities, psychological well-being. Integrating oral health promotion into public health strategies could significantly enhance the psychological well-being and self-sufficiency of older adults.