Impacto dos aspectos físicos, psicológicos, sociais e espirituais no envelhecimento bem-sucedido de idosos adscritos na Estratégia da Saúde da Família em São João Del-Rei

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the fact that the association between the physical dimension and successful aging is well consolidated in the scientific literature, the aging process is multidimensional and suffers the influence of several factors still little understood. This study aims to assess the most common factors (physical, psychological, social and spiritual) that are associated with successful aging in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study representative of older adults included in the public family medicine program at the city of São João Del-Rei, Brazil was carried out. A questionnaire including successful aging (Successful Aging Scale) and its associated factors (sociodemographics, resilience, religiosity, spirituality, the meaning of life, quality of life, social support, referred diseases, mental health, number of medications, among others) was used. The analysis was conducted through linear regression models Results: A total of 534 older adults were evaluated, being 59% females with a mean age of 69 years. In the linear regression models, higher successful aging scores were associated with higher levels of resilience (Beta=0.371, p<0.001), greater meaning of life (Beta=0.174, p<0.001), higher quality of life (Beta=0.203, p<0.001), fewer diseases (Beta=0.128, p<0.001), greater sense of life (Beta=0.116, p=0.001), lower loneliness (Beta=-0.133, p=0.001), fewer cigarette comsumption (Beta =-0.080, p=0.013), higher environmental quality of life (Beta=0.092, p=0.013) and greater religious attendance (Beta=0.068, p=0.035). Conclusion: Our findings show that the physical factors, although important, do not seem to be the main factors associated with successful aging in older adults. These findings can help geriatricians and gerontologists to value other dimensions such as social, environmental, behavioral, psychological and spiritual in order to achieve a more comprehensive care in this age group.