[Quality of life of older people living in Antofagasta, Chile]

Rev Med Chil. 2011 Aug;139(8):1006-14. Epub 2011 Dec 20.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Background: As basic needs of older people are covered, the concern about the determinants of their quality of life becomes preeminent.

Aim: To evaluate the relationship between self-reported quality of life and related variables.

Material and methods: The Quality of Life Survey for older people developed by the World Health Organization (WHOQOL-Old), the reduced scale of Ryff Psychological Well Being, the Functional Social Support Questionnaire, the SF-12 and GHQ12 general health surveys were applied to 406 older adults aged 71 ± 7 years (83% women), that were members of older people organizations and lived in Antofagasta, Chile.

Results: Older people that perceived themselves as sick had significantly lower quality of life scores. Self-acceptance, social support, autonomy and having a purpose in life also influenced the perception of quality of life.

Conclusions: Health issues and the sense of self efficacy are determinants of the quality of life of these older subjects.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Chile
  • Diagnostic Self Evaluation
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment* / methods
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Self Concept
  • Self Efficacy*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires