The quality of life of elderly’s chronic disease sufferers: qualitative-quantitative research

Abstract

It objectified to evaluate the perception of quality of life as well as its representations for 45 users, over 60 years of age from a health unit by means of a qualitative-quantitative research study where it was used a reduced instrument by the World Health Organization. The physical, psychological domains, social relations and environment were tested with variables for age, sex, religion and daily activities. Being healthy was represented by “being healthy and willing to work”, “keeping social insertions” and “having religious support”. Quality of life was considered very good and represented by the themes: “social relations, insertions and health”, “financial independence” and “spirituality and longevity”. There was statistical difference in the physical domain for the ones under 70 years old, catholic, and in the social domain for the independent in daily activities. The results may be helpful to ground nursing actions for the improvement of these clients’ quality of life.