Abstract

• With the rapidly growing aging population in Myanmar, effective self-care practices have become increasingly important for ensuring the well-being and independence of the elderly. This study investigates the relationship between self-care ability and various demographic and socioeconomic factors among the elderly population in Myanmar, using data from the 2019 Inter Census Survey. Descriptive analysis revealed that while most elderly individuals reported no difficulty with self care, they did not meet the criteria for successful aging due to limited engagement in active and productive activities. Pearson’s Chi-square test indicated that variables such as gender, age, place of residence, marital status, education, general health status, occupation, household income, and participation in social activities were significantly associated with self-care ability. Binary logistic regression analysis further demonstrated that poor general health, rural residence, and living in Rakhine State negatively impacted self-care ability, while higher educational attainment, increased income, female gender, marital status, employment, social engagement, and residence in certain regions (e.g., Kayin, Kachin, Mandalay, etc.) had a positive effect. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive government interventions to support the elderly population, including improvements in healthcare access, expansion of social protection, enhancement of long term and mental health care services, and the promotion of social inclusion.