Key pillars of active aging in the context of the Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030): an integrative literature review

Abstract

ABSTRACT The number of older adults worldwide has increased significantly, and by 2030 one in six people will be aged 60 years or older. Population aging is a central issue in global health agendas. The Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) aims to improve the quality of life of older adults. Objective: To identify key pillars associated with active aging within this framework. Methods: Integrative literature review conducted in six stages using the Population-Concept-Context (PCC) strategy. Searches were performed in the United States National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), including studies published between 2020 and 2025. Results: Five dimensions were identified: healthy lifestyle behaviors, social engagement and cognitive stimulation, spirituality, socioeconomic determinants, and digital health technologies, linked to autonomy and quality of life. Conclusion: Active aging is a multidimensional process requiring intersectoral and person-centered strategies aligned with public policies. However, the available evidence remains uneven across domains, with a predominance of studies focused on individual behavioral factors.