<b>Perceptions about the quality of life among elderly participating in an Open University to Maturity

Abstract

Population aging is a worldwide phenomenon tied to the increase in life expectancy. The goal of this study was to evaluate the perceptions of quality of life (QOL) of elderly who attended the Open University to Maturity-UNABEM, at the University of the State of Minas Gerais. The sample consisted of 90 elderly who assiduously attended the project; the questionnaires WHOQOL-BREF and OLD were used to assess perceptions of QOL. Among the participants most of the sample was female, aged between 60-69 years old, married, with complete high school, lived in multi-generational family, with income between one and two minimum wages and Catholic. Most realized their QOL as ‘very good’ and ‘good’ and was pleased with their health. As for the perception of QOL, regarding domains and facets, social relations and social participation achieved greater scores, respectively. The domain environment and the death and dying have obtained lower scores. It can be concluded that seniors who participate in activities such as those offered at UNABEM are able to have better perception of global QOL, particularly with respect to social life, a relevant aspect which influences positively in this stage of life.