Factors associated with perceived quality of life in older adults

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To identify factors associated with perceived quality of life in a representative national sample of the population aged 50 or over.METHODS Data from 7,651 participants of the baseline ELSI-Brazil (Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging), conducted between 2015 and 2016, were used. The perceived quality of life was measured by the CASP-19 scale - (CASP - control, autonomy, self-fulfillment and pleasure), considering the highest tertile as good quality of life. The independent variables included socio-demographic characteristics, mobility, loneliness, and indicators of sociability (social network, social support and social participation). The associations were tested using multivariate Poisson regression.RESULTS The best perceived quality of life showed a positive and independent association with the frequency of contacts with friends (PR = 1.25 for at least once every 2–3 months and PR = 1.36 for at least once a week), instrumental support from spouse or partner in the household (PR = 1.69), and emotional support from other relatives (PR = 1.45), children or children in law (PR = 1.41) and spouse or partner (PR = 1.33). Negative associations were observed for participants aged 80 and over (RP = 0.77), with 4 to 7 or 8 or more years of schooling (PR = 0.78 and 0.75, respectively) and with difficulty in mobility (PR = 0.83).CONCLUSIONS In addition to age and schooling, mobility, sociability and instrumental and emotional support are associated with perceived quality of life among older Brazilian adults. These characteristics must be considered when actions are taken, aiming to promote quality of life in this population.

Frailty, depression, and quality of life: a study with elderly caregivers

“…Therefore, they manage to remain independent for a longer time, a positive fact for a better perception of quality of life. A positive quality of life can also be related to personal resilience resources, i.e., the use of proper strategies to deal with stressors (38) .…”

ELSI-COVID-19 initiative: methodology of the telephone survey on coronavirus in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging

“…Some factors could directly or indirectly impact epidemic-related risks among older Brazilian adults, such as: (1) chronic conditions requiring regular monitoring and medications 3,4,5 ; (2) worse physical functioning requiring help to perform activities as purchasing basic items, such as food and medicine, or even survival-related activities, such as feeding, dressing, and bathing 6,7,8 ; and (3) difficulties using new technology that allows online communication with family and friends, which could possibly improve mental health by reducing loneliness, sleep disorders, and depression 9,10 . The inability to access regular health-care services or medications during the epidemic is yet another factor that could aggravate pre-existing physical and mental conditions 11 .…”

Association between sociodemographic and health characteristics and the level of difficulty of locomotion of elderly

“…Functional disability is defined by the difficulty or need for help in performing the basic daily tasks or more complex tasks necessary for the individual to live independently in the community 7 . Functional disability is associated with lower quality of life among the elderly, and has consequences for both the elderly, their families and society [8][9][10] .…”