Abstract: Objective To investigate the distribution and determinants of healthy aging among the elderly in the South China region, thereby providing a scientific basis for promoting healthy aging. Methods Utilizing baseline data from a prospective cohort study on chronic diseases in a natural population of South China, a multiple linear regression model was employed to explore the factors influencing healthy aging scores. Results The study included 23 837 elderly individuals aged 60-89 years, with a mean age of (67.3±5.5) years; males constituted 36.6% of the cohort. The distribution of healthy aging status was as follows: 4 623 (19.4%) were classified as unhealthy, 15 936 (66.9%) as moderately healthy, and 3 278 (13.8%) as optimally healthy. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that older age (β'=0.280), female sex (β'=0.024), household size ≥3 persons (β'=0.015, 0.049), sleep duration <7 hours (β'=0.018) or >8 hours (β'=0.033), and higher BMI (β'=0.187) were associated with higher healthy aging scores. Conversely, higher educational attainment (β'=-0.050), annual income >30 000 RMB (β'=-0.057), unemployment/retirement (β'=-0.044), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (both β'=-0.029), increased walking time (β'=-0.046), and low-frequency red meat consumption (β'=-0.016) were correlated with lower healthy aging scores (P<0.05). Conclusions The overall level of healthy aging is lower among females in the South China region. Modifiable factors such as moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, walking duration, sleep duration, dietary patterns, and BMI are significant determinants of healthy aging in this elderly population.

Key words: Healthy aging, Elderly population, Influencing factors, South China region