Abstract

MARQUES, Ermelinda Maria Bernardo Gonçalves; SERDIO SANCHEZ, Carmen  and  PALACIOS VICARIO, Beatriz. Perception of the quality of life of a group of older people. Rev. Enf. Ref. [online]. 2014, vol.serIV, n.1, pp.75-84. ISSN 0874-0283.  https://doi.org/10.12707/RIII1314.

Older people represent a significant segment of the population. Thus, the study of the ageing process became a current necessity, particularly the study of older people’s quality of life. The main purpose of this study was to understand the way older people perceive their own quality of life. This qualitative cross-sectional, exploratory-descriptive study was carried out at a Health Care Centre of the central region of Portugal. The sample was determined by a data saturation process, and included 48 older people (24 men and 24 women) with a mean age of 74.79 years. A semi-structured interview was used for data collection. The older people who participated in the study described quality of life as being healthy, having peace, living in harmony, feeling happy, being satisfied with life, and keeping oneself busy, whether with hobbies, volunteer service or work. It also meant preserving interpersonal relationships and receiving support from family, friends and neighbours. The results of this study show the need for coordination between health services, social services, municipalities and the education system. The Health Care Centre is considered as the best place to promote and coordinate suitable interventions for the elderly.

Keywords : aging; older people; quality of life.

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