Self-care skills and quality of life in older adults: factors that promote healthy aging
Habilidades de autocuidado y calidad de vida en adultos mayores: factores que promueven un envejecimiento saludable
Capacidades de autocuidado e qualidade de vida em pessoas idosas: fatores favoráveis ao envelhecimento saudável
Anicheriene Gomes de Oliveira; José Vitor da Silva; Murilo César do Nascimento; Namie Okino Sawada; Eliza Maria Rezende Dázio; Rogério Silva Lima; Silvana Maria Coelho Leite Fava
Abstract
Objective to evaluate self-care capacity and quality of life in older adults and their associations with sociodemographic and health variables.
Method this is a quantitative, cross-sectional study with a sample of 302 older adults, in which sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, and satisfaction with aging were analyzed using instruments such as the WHOQOL-BREF, WHOQOL-OLD, and the Appraisal of Self-Care Agency Scale (ASA-A).
Results these indicate that most older adults had good self-care capacity, associated with better quality of life, especially among those with higher education and a positive self-perception of health. It was observed that factors such as marital status, religious practice, and participation in health programs influence quality of life, although they are not directly related to self-care.
Conclusions and implications for the practice health programs for older adults should integrate preventive practices and social support to ensure active and healthy aging. The research reinforces the importance of integrated approaches that consider both physical, emotional, and social aspects to promote autonomy and well-being in old age.
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Resumo
Objetivo: avaliar a capacidade de autocuidado e a qualidade de vida em idosos e suas associações com variáveis sociodemográficas e de saúde.
Método: trata-se de um estudo quantitativo e transversal, realizado com uma amostra de 302 idosos, no qual se analisaram as características sociodemográficas, condições de saúde e satisfação com o envelhecimento, utilizando-se instrumentos como o WHOQOL-BREF, WHOQOL-OLD e a Escala de Autocuidado (ASA-A).
Resultados: indicaram que a maioria dos idosos apresentava boa capacidade de autocuidado, a qual se associa a uma melhor qualidade de vida, especialmente entre aqueles que possuem maior escolaridade e uma autopercepção positiva de saúde. Observou-se que fatores como o estado civil, a prática religiosa e a participação em programas de saúde influenciam a qualidade de vida, embora não se relacionem diretamente com o autocuidado.
Conclusões e implicações para a prática: os programas de saúde destinados aos idosos devem integrar práticas preventivas e suporte social para assegurar um envelhecimento ativo e saudável. A pesquisa reforça a importância de abordagens integradas, que contemplem tanto os aspectos físicos quanto os emocionais e sociais, para promover a autonomia e o bem-estar na velhice.
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Referências
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Aceito em:
05/03/2026
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