Determinantes da qualidade de vida e da satisfação com a vida em idosos fisicamente ativos na velhice avançada

Abstract

Introduction: The world is experiencing a change in the demographic profile and the population is reaching more advanced ages. In this new context, new perspectives and needs are created. Faced with this reality, the search for physical exercise to maintain a healthy life is increasingly present. Therefore, studies that investigate quality of life and subjective well-being, especially in the elderly, can contribute to a successful old age. Objective: To evaluate the determinants of quality of life and satisfaction with life of physically active elderly. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study. This research was developed with 375 elderly, with a mean age of 78.35 years (±3.23), resident of the city of Juiz de Fora, MG. As a data collection instrument, a sociodemographic questionnaire was used, a questionnaire to evaluate the quality of life (36 Item Short Form Survey - SF-36) and a measure of subjective well-being (Life Satisfaction Index for the Third Age - LSITA). To analyze the data, descriptive analyzes, multiple correspondence (association) and multiple linear regression analysis were performed (estimating determinant variables). Results: Among the variables investigated, the quality of life and satisfaction with the life of the elderly were physically associated with several variables (sociodemographic, health, physical exercise and limitation and pain). Among these variables, the determinants for quality of life of this population are: amount of disease, amount of pain, quantity of tasks with difficulties of execution and aerobic exercise. For life satisfaction, the determinants are the quantity of diseases and the number of tasks with difficulties of execution. Final considerations: It is hoped that this study contributes in a way to broaden the knowledge of the thematic of the aging for the several professionals that deal, directly, with the elderly public. In addition, it is believed that new policies and actions may arise with the intuition of benefiting the quality of life of this population, aiming at a successful old age.