Análise da qualidade de vida de pessoas idosas que vivem às margens do Baixo Rio São Francisco

Abstract

Brazil is in a period of demographic transition that favors population aging. In the aging process, there is much discussion regarding the impact on quality of life caused by changes in the physical, psychological and social dimensions The aim was to assess the quality of life of elderly people living on the banks of the Lower São Francisco River. The aim of this study was not only to increase knowledge about the quality of life of this population, but also to contribute to the implementation of strategies that promote healthy and dignified ageing in this region. This is an observational, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 119 elderly participants, women and men, aged 60 years or over, who lived in communities on the banks of the Lower São Francisco River. To assess the perception of the quality of life of the elderly, the Europe Health Interview Surveys – Quality of Life (EUROHIS-QOL-8) questionnaire was used. Of the 119 participants, 50.42% (60) were female and 49.58% (59) were male. According to self-assessment of quality of life, 56.3% rate it as good, while 26.9% say it is neither bad nor good. The study on the quality of life of elderly people living on the riverbank of the Lower River São Francisco revealed a positive perception on the part of the participants, who evaluated their quality of life as good, especially with regard to satisfaction with themselves and the ability to carry out activities daily. Therefore, the socioeconomic and environmental challenges faced by these communities are evident.