Abstract

URZUA, Alfonso; BRAVO, Miguel; OGALDE, Mario  and  VARGAS, Carolina. Quality of life of older people living in Antofagasta, Chile. Rev. méd. Chile [online]. 2011, vol.139, n.8, pp.1006-1014. ISSN 0034-9887.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0034-98872011000800005.

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.

Keywords : Aged; Quality of life; Questionnaires.

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