A cross-sectional study on quality of life and self-esteem among older individuals in a social group

Abstract

Introduction: Population aging is a global phenomenon that raises questions about the quality of life and psycho-logical well-being of the older adults. In this context, social groups emerge as an important strategy to promote self-esteem and improve the quality of life among the older population. Objective: To analyze the quality of life and self-esteem of older individuals from a social group. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study realized with 148 older adults. The WHOQOL-BREF, WHOQOL-OLD, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were used. Data analysis was conducted using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, bootstrapping procedures, independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey's post-hoc test (p < 0.05). Results: Women showed higher mean scores in the psychological (p = 0.030) and environmental (p = 0.037) domains, social participation facet (p = 0.047), and self-esteem (p = 0.011). Older individuals aged 60 to 69 years had higher scores in the physical (p = 0.027), psychological (p = 0.007), environmental (p = 0.022), and self-assessment (p = 0.001) domains, and in the facets of sensory functioning (p = 0.009), past, present, and future activities (p = 0.021), social participation (p = 0.009), and intimacy (p = 0.004), as well as in self-esteem (p = 0.015). Retired older individuals had lower scores in the sensory functioning facet (p = 0.012). Conclusion: Older individuals exhibited satisfactory means in quality of life domains and facets and an adequate level of self-esteem. Significant differences exist in sex, age group, monthly income, and retirement status.