Quality of Life (QoL) in a Brazilian Sample of Older Adults: The Role of Sociodemographic Variables and Depression Symptoms

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to identify relevant variables associated with Quality of Life (QoL) in older adults. Older adults, up to 60 years old, were interviewed. Subjects were recruited through convenience sampling. 339 paticipants, who were stratified by gender, age, and subjective perception of health and illness, answered questions on sociodemographic issues, QoL (WHOQOL-100) and depressive symptomathology (Beck Depression Inventory-BDI). The multiple linear regression analysis showed associations of overall perception of QoL with

A Gender Lens on Quality of Life: The Role of Sense of Community, Perceived Social Support, Self-Reported Health and Income

“…However, social activity does not contribute much explanatory power: for both men and women self-rated health appears to be the best predictor of QoL scores (Li et al, 2011). The significant role played by perception of health was confirmed also in a study with a Brazilian sample of older adults (Trentini, Chacamovich, Peretti Wagner, Müller, Hirakata, & De Almeida Fleck, 2011): both men and women who considered themselves healthy obtained significantly higher means in all domains of QoL.…”

Associations between self-perceived quality of life and socio-demographic, psychosocial, and health variables in a group of elderly

“…Importantly, the model obtained with the variables analyzed here was capable of explaining quality of life in the elderly with 72.3% power of correct classification. Thus, it is believed that other variables not assessed here may influence perceived quality of life in the elderly, e.g., nutritional adequacy 20 , issues related to obtaining pleasure and comfort 24 , personality variables 37 , and physical activity 52 . In addition, this study did not control for possible psychiatric and neurological diagnoses in participants, which limits interpretation of the findings.…”

“…Previous studies on self-perceived quality of life in the elderly have shown a relationship to self-rated health 7,24,26 . This study found the same relationship.…”

“…Leisure-time activities and community groups may also be associated with volunteer work, thus contributing to health promotion and quality of life, allowing elders to feel healthier and happier 41 . Other authors 24,42 have also highlighted the importance of leisure-time activities for quality of life in elderly individuals.…”

“…The instrument measures individual perception of quality of life and covers different areas 24 . The instrument is self-reported, answering on a scale of one to five 25 , the psychometric properties of which have been tested and proven adequate.…”