Life quality and physical activity frequency in older adults from community groups, Chillán commune, Chile

Abstract

Introduction: The increasing number of the population over 60 years old worldwide is an aspect that is also common in Chile. According to data results from the last population census conducted in 2017, there are more than two million people over 65 years old, which represents 11, 4% of the population of the country. Based on this, active aging is something fundamental to promote the quality of life and reduce the adverse effects of getting older.

Objective: The objective of this study is to know the self-perceived quality-of-life and the physical activity frequency in older adults who belong to groups guided by monitors of the Chillán commune.

Materials and methods: A questionnaire with three sections (Sociodemographic, Health and WHOQOL-BREF) was implemented to three groups of Elderly of Chillán and the analysis was done through percentages, average, and standard deviation.

Results: Among the results found was that the older, the higher average quality of life score in four of the five areas studied, being the people over 80 who obtained the highest average scores. However, the physical quality of life in general terms does not stand out for the average scores obtained, except in people who do physical activity three times a week.