PORTO, Poliane Ramos.
Abstract:
The importance of working to elderly quality of life that lives in long-stay institutions for the elderly it gives up the impact suffered by the society arising from the population growth without public political appropriate to this new reality. The question on the individual perception of the elderly about their welfare can motivate actions and politics to promote effectively the aging with dignity, rehabilitation programs, health promotion and diseases prevention. Objective: To evaluate the quality of life of the elderly living in long-stay institutions for the elderly of Campina Grande-PB, Brazil. Methodology: Exploratory-descriptive research with a quantitative approach, made with 30 elderly living in long-stay institutions of Campina Grande. At the time of the research, elderly were invited to sign the Free and Informed Consent (IC) following explanation of the objectives and the rights of participants. Data were collected with the use of questionnaires WHOQOL-Bref and WHOQOL-Old, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO); analyzed using SPSS 21.0; illustrated by graphs and tables and then discussed in the light of the relevant literature. It is worth noting that this research followed the Resolution 466/12, which regulates research involving human beings. It only took place after approval by Research Ethics Committee of Federal University of Campina Grande under CAAE No. 44940115.1.0000.5182. Results: Regarding the WHOQOL-Old questionnaire, the results indicate similarities in the responses of elderly interviewed in the five areas: Sensory functioning; autonomy; past, present and future activities; death and social participation. With respect to the WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire, the elderly showed up unhappy in four areas: physical, psychological, social relationships and environment. Final thoughts: At the end of this paper, we suggest the application of current arrangements in conjunction with the elderly care politics. This involves the promotion of practical activities that contribute to the dignified aging of elderly residents in long-stay institutions, whereas an active lifestyle is an effective health promotion strategy, functionality, autonomy and better quality of life for the elderly.
