World Health Organization Quality Of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module Research Articles

INVESTIGATION OF PERSISTENT POST-COVID-19 SYMPTOMS, FRAILTY, KINESIOPHOBIA, AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN OLDER ADULTS: AN OBSERVATIONAL CROSS‑SECTIONAL STUDY

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare kinesiophobia and quality of life in older adults among subgroups created according to persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms and frailty. Methods: This study included 63 adults over the age of 65 with COVID-19.. Frailty was assessed with the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) was used to assess the kinesiophobia and The World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD) was used to assess quality of life. Results: The TSK score was significantly higher in the visibly frail and frail group than in the non-frail group (p=0.040). The TSK score was also significantly higher in the group with at least one persistent symptom after COVID-19 than participants with no persistent symptoms (p=0.008). Among participants with at least one persistent post-COVID-19 symptom, the TSK score was significantly higher in those with persistent dyspnea compared to those without (p=0.016). There was no significant difference in the WHOQOL-OLD scores of any sub-groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of the study showed that kinesiophobia was affected by the presence of persistent COVID-19 symptoms and dyspnea, and frailty in older adults. In addition, quality of life was found to be independent of frailty and persistent COVID-19 symptoms.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on well-being of seniors attending online programs at University of the Third Age: a follow-up study.

BackgroundReports on psychological effects of quarantine during past outbreaks and pandemics showed that quarantined people were more likely to experience psychological problems than those who were not. It was also shown that there was an increase in anxiety, depression, and stress in all age groups during the COVID‐19 pandemic. So, we investigated emotional states and quality of life as components of general well‐being in older participants of University of the Third Age (U3A) attending online programs during the second year of the pandemic, and compared them with the pre‐pandemic COVID‐19 period.MethodsThis study was conducted among 27 participants of a U3A program. Data on sociodemographics, Charlson comorbidity index, the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS‐SF), The Geriatric Anxiety Scale (GAS), and Turkish version of World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Older Adults Module (WHOQOL‐OLD) were taken in September 2019 and September 2021.ResultsThe median age of the participants was 68 (60–75) years (81.5% female). In the COVID‐19 pandemic period; ‘Death and dying’ (except for ‘Fear of pain before death’ score), ‘Intimacy’ domain, and ‘Social participation’ domain scores of WHOQOL‐OLD decreased compared to the pre‐pandemic period (P < 0.001, P = 0.011, and P < 0.001, respectively) whereas the scores for GAS and GDS‐SF were higher (P < 0.001 and P = 0.011). The reason for the decrease in ‘Social participation’ domain scores was the decrease in ‘Satisfaction with opportunity to participate in community’. There was no significant difference in ‘Autonomy’ domain of WHOQOL‐OLD (P = 0.598).ConclusionAlthough there was no change in ‘Autonomy’ domain among the participants of U3A before and during the pandemic period, anxiety and depression scores were higher in the second year of the COVID pandemic. Only a decrease in satisfaction with opportunity to participate in community might have significant impact on social participation.

Comparison of the levels of depression and anxiety in elderly aortic stenosis patients treated with surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement

ObjectiveCurrently, only a few studies have been conducted on the mental status recovery in elderly aortic stenosis (AS) patients after treatment. How transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) differentially impinge on the mental status of elderly AS patients is completely unknown. The present prospective study aims to investigate this question by comparing the post-treatment levels of depression and anxiety, quality of life and frailty.MethodsA total of 120 elderly patients (age above 70) with symptomatic AS were included, where 78 of them were treated with TAVR and 42 of them were treated with SAVR. Levels of depression and anxiety, quality of life and frailty were assessed by the Chinese version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD) and clinical frailty scale, respectively. Scores were recorded and compared at admission, 1 month, 4 months and 8 months after treatment.ResultsBefore treatment, both patient groups had similar baseline characteristics and all mental parameters. During the follow-up period, patients in the TAVR group demonstrated significant improvement in all assessed mental parameters to certain extent compared to the SAVR group. Specifically, frailty was significantly improved in the TAVR-treated patients at all three follow-up time points. Levels of depression and anxiety were significantly improved 8 months after treatment, although the remaining patient number is limited. Quality of life was only significantly improved 1 month after treatment.ConclusionTAVR may provide a better mental recovery outcome in elderly AS patients.

Evaluation of the Turkish Version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults’ Module (WHOQOL-OLD)

Introduction:In recent years, the quality of life has become an important final health status indicator. Thus, increasing the quality of life in the growing population of the elderly is one of the most important goals in healthcare. The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of life of the elderly staying in nursing homes.Materials and Methods: The research was carried out at the Gurcesme Zubeyde Hanim Nursing Home, date between 1 July-30 August 2011, in Izmir. 103 elderly individuals, who met the inclusion criteria, constituted the research sample. Researcher collected data in face to face with the elderly participants.Results: 52% of the participants are in 75-84 age group. 58% of the elderly were female; 56,3% were widowed; 61.2% were not literate; 39% have been staying in a nursing home because of no one to look after them; 41.7% had lived in a nursing home longer than seven years. 68.9% had at least one chronic disease, 58.3% of the elderly expressed their quality of life as good. WHOQOL-OLD total score was between 52-86 points (mean 70). The lowest scale mean score was sensory abilities and death and dying, sub-dimension group.Conclusion:The quality of life in elderly people was affected directly by variables such as age, educational level, marital status, social capacity, chronic illnesses, income status, and length of staying in a nursing home. We suggest that improving the social activities and facilities of the institution in line with the results obtained.

Home physical exercise improves functional mobility and quality of life in the elderly: A CONSORT‐prospective, randomised controlled clinical trial

To test the hypothesis of a semi-supervised home physical exercise programme that is likely to improve the functional mobility and quality of life (QOL) of elderly in the community. This trial included elderly adults (88% female) aged 60years or older and who were sedentary and without cognitive decline. The participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG, home physical exercise and sleep hygiene) and a control group (CG, sleep hygiene). The International Questionnaire on Physical Activity, mental state mini-exam, World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests were conducted before and after the 12-week intervention period. The study was concluded with 125 elderly participants. Anthropometric data were indicative of pre-obesity, with a mean body mass index of 27.3±4, a low-income socio-economic profile (78%≤2 SM) and low schooling rates (76%≤3years of study). Most of the elderly (87%) were considered physically active with IPAQ>150min/week. The group of elderly people who performed the home physical exercise programme showed a significant improvement in functional mobility according to the time of execution of the TUG test before (9.1±2) and after (7.1±1) with an average reduction of 2±1s (P<.01). The difference in the QOL of the elderly who participated in the exercise protocol was also observed, verified through the WHOQOL-OLD global score, which presented an initial score of 85±10, changing to 90.4±9 after the intervention. Semi-supervised physical home exercise is safe and effective in improving the functional mobility and QOL of sedentary elderly people in the community.

Stay Slim or Get Fat?: An Examination of the "Jolly Fat" Effect in Chinese Older Adults.

PurposeThe association between body mass index (BMI) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has not been verified neither in China nor in any other Asian country. This study aimed to examine the association between BMI and HRQOL in the Chinese older adults population.MethodsA total of 5018 older adults from the China’s Health-Related Quality of Life Survey for Older Adults 2018 was included in this study. The HRQOL was measured by the Chinese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the associations between BMI and HRQOL among the older adults in rural, urban, and total samples.ResultsAfter adjusting all the confounders, compared with normal weight group, underweight was negatively correlated with the total scores of HRQOL among the older adults in rural (B= −2.310, p < 0.01), urban (B= −1.019, p < 0.001), and total samples (B= −2.351, p < 0.001), whereas overweight was positively associated with the total scores of HRQOL among the older adults in rural samples (B= 0.888, p < 0.05). The results showed that obesity was not associated with the total scores of HRQOL among the older adults in rural (B= −1.214, p > 0.05), urban (B= −0.074, p > 0.05), and total samples (B= −1.461, p > 0.05).ConclusionThis study suggests that obese Chinese older adults did not show a better quality of life than those of normal weight. But this result does not deny the “jolly fat” hypothesis entirely, as the overweight older adults from rural areas showed better HRQOL. Moreover, underweight older people show a poorer HRQOL. The relationship between BMI and HRQOL in the older adults needs to be differentiated according to different characteristics of the population.

Yaşlılarda Fiziksel İnaktivitenin Yaşam Kalitesi Üzerine Etkileri

Amaç: Sedanter yaşam tarzının yaşlıların sağlığını olumsuz etkilediği bilinmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı huzurevinde yaşayan yaşlı bireylerde sedanter yaşam tarzı ile yaşam kalitesi arasındaki ilişkiyi araştırmaktır.&#x0D; Yöntem: Manisa'daki Huzurevleri bu kesitsel çalışmaya dahil edilmiş olup çalışmaya dahil edilen bireylerin toplam sayısı 181'dir ve veriler yaşlılarla yüz yüze görüşülerek toplanmıştır. Veri toplama formu 3 bölümden oluşmaktadır: Fiziksel Etkinliklerin Hızlı Değerlendirilme Ölçeği (RAPA 1 ve 2), Dünya Sağlık Örgütü Yaşam Kalitesi Ölçeği Yaşlı sürümü (WHOQOL-old) ve demografik özellikler. Yaşam kalitesi ile fiziksel aktivite ve yaşlıların diğer özellikleri arasındaki ilişkiyi değerlendirmek için bağımsız gruplarda t testi ve tek yönlü varyans analizi (ANOVA) kullanılmıştır. Değişkenler arasındaki anlamlı fark 0,05 düzeyinde yorumlanmıştır.&#x0D; Bulgular: Cinsiyet dağılımı aşağıdaki gibidir: Kadın: % 31.5, erkek:% 68,5. Kronik hastalıklar %56.4 oranında iken, katılımcıların %73.5'in sedanter bir yaşam tarzı olduğu bulunmuştur. Sedanter yaşam tarzı ile yaşam kalitesi ölçeğinin toplam puanları (t: -7,124, p: 0,003), özerklik (t: -1,270, p: 0,005), faaliyetler (t-, 965, p: 0,043) ve duyusal yetenek (t: -2,172, p: 0,001) arasında negatif bir korelasyon bulunmuştur.&#x0D; Sonuç: Yaşlıların yaşam kalitesini etkileyen birçok faktör olmasına rağmen, yaşlılarda sedanter yaşam tarzı ve WHOQOL-old ölçeğinin toplam puanları arasında anlamlı bir ilişki vardır. Huzurevlerinde yaşlıların daha aktif olmalarını sağlayacak hizmetler yer verilmelidir.

Validity and reliability of the Korean version of the world health organization quality of life instrument-older adults module

The World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD) is a scale that measures quality of life (QoL) based on the characteristics of older adults. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the WHOQOL-OLD. It was administered to 273 older adults by convenience sampling in Jeonbuk, South Korea. The six-factor model was validated by confirmatory factor analysis (χ2=462.52 [p<.001], normed χ2=1.95, comparative fit index=0.94, Tucker–Lewis index=0.92, standardized root mean residual=0.06, root mean square error of approximation=0.059). Concurrent validity was demonstrated with the WHOQOL-BREF (r = 00.708), SF-12 (r = 0.508) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (r=-0.499). In addition, the Korean version of the WHOQOL-OLD was evaluated for known group validity. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total scale was 0.897. The Korean version of the WHOQOL-OLD showed acceptable validity and reliability for measuring QoL in older Korean adults.

Social isolation undermines quality of life in older adults.

Several studies have documented associations between social isolation and poor physical health or well-being. However, little is known of the importance of social support among older adults on specific topics about their quality of life. The purpose of the present study was to determine the relationship between social isolation and quality of life among older adults. A cross-sectional study. Mexico City. 1,252 subjects aged ≥ 60 years living at home. We used the Abbreviated Version of the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6) to assess social isolation and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-Old) to assess quality of life. Socio-demographic and health factors were collected through face-to-face interviews. A series of linear regression analyses were used to investigate relationship between social isolation and quality of life. The statistical models were controlled for socio-demographic and health factors. A total of 750 women (60%) and 502 men (40%) participated in the study. According to their LSNS-6 scores, 426 participants (34.0%) were classified into the highest group of isolation (range 0-10 points). Older adults with higher scores of social isolation exhibited lower quality of life. Regression analyses indicated that social isolation correlated with lower levels of global quality of life, autonomy, intimacy, and past, present, and future activities. Coping with life from a socially isolated situation entails serious difficulties concerning quality of life. Interventions that foster environments where older adults can forge social bonds might improve their quality of life.

Adaptation, reliability, and validity study of the Hwalek-SengstockElder Abuse Screening Test (H-S/EAST): a Turkish version

Background/aim: The most important issues in elder abuse and neglect are lack of awareness and difficulties in determining the situation. Our aim is to determine the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test (H-S/EAST).Materials and methods: The H-S/EAST (15-itemed, three-dimensional: direct abuse, characteristics of vulnerability, and potentially abusive situation) was translated according to the guidelines and experts evaluated it for content validity and cultural adaptation. Participants' (n = 252) mean age was 73.4 ± 6.4 years and 58.3% were female. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD) and the Barthel Index were used for validity. Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency, exploratory factor analysis for content validity, t-test for construct validity, and discriminant ability were used. SPSS 15.0 was used for analysis and statistical significance was P < 0.05.Results: In test-retest reliability, internal consistency coefficient values for direct abuse, characteristics of vulnerability, and potentially abusive situation were 0.88, 0.73, and 0.80, respectively. Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency of the H-S/EAST was 0.741. Exploratory factor analysis obtained 5 factors, and explained variance was 61.8%. Cut-off value was 6, and sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve were 76.9%, 96.2%, and 0.938, respectively.Conclusion: The Turkish version of the H-S/EAST can be used as a reliable, valid clinical tool for the assessment of elder abuse.

Psychometric properties of the Dutch WHOQOL-OLD.

BackgroundTo assess the internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the Dutch version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD).MethodsThe psychometric properties of the Dutch WHOQOL-OLD were examined in a cross-sectional study using a sample of 1,340 people aged 60 years or older. Participants completed a Web-based questionnaire, the ‘Senioren Barometer’. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha and corrected item-total correlations. Construct validity of the Dutch WHOQOL-OLD was evaluated with confirmatory factor analyses, and correlations within and between scales, using scales WHOQOL-BREF, Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), and the Emotional and Social Loneliness Scale (ESLS).ResultsThe reliabilities of the six WHOQOL-OLD facets or subscales were sufficient to good (.66-.91). The convergent validity of the WHOQOL-OLD was good, whereas our findings on the divergent validity of the WHOQOL-OLD were somewhat mixed. Findings corroborating the divergent validity were that the 6-factor model fitted better than the second-order factor model, and WHOQOL-OLD facets sensory abilities, past, present and future activities, death and dying, intimacy correlated more strongly with similar than dissimilar scales. Not fully supporting divergent validity were the extremely high correlations between the factors corresponding to autonomy, past, present and future activities, and social participation.ConclusionWe offer Dutch healthcare and social workers an instrument with good psychometric properties for measuring quality of life in older people. Further research on interrelations between WHOQOL-OLD facets is recommended.

The Relationship between Quality of Life and Cognitive Functions, Anxiety and Depression among Hospitalized Elderly Patients.

ObjectiveOlder people seek not only a longer life, but also a better quality of life (QOL). Our aim was to find out the relationship between QOL and socio-demographic factors, social activities, cognitive status, depression and anxiety symptoms among medically ill and hospitalized elderly people in Turkey.MethodsTwo hundred forty three patients age 65 years or older were examined. The Socio-demographic Data Survey, the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Geriatric Depression Scale-short form (GDS-15), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD) were applied to participants. The independent samples t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze quantitative data. Pearson’s correlation and linear regression analysis were performed.ResultsThe total score for QOL was significantly higher for those who saw their family members and relatives frequently rather than rarely (p=0.002), who were always busy with social activities rather than rarely or never (p<0.001), who had more years of education (p=0.003), and who were frequently exercising (p=0.023). According to linear regression analysis, the WHOQOL-OLD total score increased by 0.295 and −0.936 units, while MMSE and GDS-15 scale scores increased one unit respectively (β=0.295, t=1.979, p=0.04; β=−0.936, t=−4.881, p<0.001).ConclusionCognitive disabilities, depression, and other psychiatric problems along with medical disease negatively affect the QOL of elderly patients. While performing medical assessment regarding elders, detecting and treating cognitive disabilities and depression is very valuable in improving the QOL of elderly patients.

Factors Affecting Depression and Quality of Life in the Elderly

Aim: This study was conducted to assess depression and quality of life in the elderly and the factors influencing these methods. Methods: The sample of this descriptive study consisted of 450 individuals, 65 years of age and older, who presented to the Family Healthcare Centers in the provincial center of Erzincan between October 2010 and March 2011. The data were collected using a descriptive questionnaire, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD) and Europe Health Impact Scale- World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (EUROHIS-QOL.8-WHOQOL-8.Tr). Results: It was determined that 62.2% of older people suffer from depression. The mean WHOQOLOLD subdomain scores of older people were moderate and their overall scores were low. As the study participants’ mean WHOQOL-OLD and EUROHIS-QOL.8 scores increased, the mean GDS score declined, and the difference in between was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our study results showed that the majority of older people were at risk for depression, and as the mean depression risk score increased, the mean quality of life score decreased.

Aging, Gender and Quality of Life (AGEQOL) study: factors associated with good quality of life in older Brazilian community-dwelling adults.

BackgroundIn Brazil, a rapidly aging country suffering from large inequalities, the study of the quality of life (QOL) of aged people is important for the future health. The aim of this study was to examine the associations among QOL, gender, and physical and psychosocial health in older Brazilian community-dwelling adults to identify factors that are associated with better QOL.MethodsThe “Aging, Gender and Quality of Life (AGEQOL)” study, which included 2,052 respondents aged 60 or older, was conducted in Sete Lagoas, Brazil between January and July 2012. The respondents answered questions regarding their socioeconomic and demographic information, health and social situations, cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms and family satisfaction. The authors also applied the Brazilian version the World Health Organization Quality of Life QOL Assessment-Brief Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-Old). Ordinal logistic regression with the Proportional-Odds and Logit function was used to test the association between QOL and physical and psychosocial health according to age and socioeconomic status.ResultsOlder adults of both genders with five or more years of education, good self-rated health, an absence of depressive symptoms, and no family dysfunction reported better QOL. Retired men had a better QOL compared to non-retired men (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.4–3.2), but this association was not observed in females. Men living in mixed arrangements (OR = 0.5; p = 0.033) and women who did not practice physical activity (OR = 0.7; p = 0.022) tended to have poorer QOL.ConclusionsWe conclude that there are gender differences related to better QOL in this sample. Women with good physical and psychosocial health are more likely to have a better QOL. For men, the best QOL was associated with high socioeconomic conditions and good physical and psychosocial health.

The Chinese version of the world health organization quality of life instrument-older adults module (WHOQOL-OLD): psychometric evaluation

BackgroundUnder the circumstance of global population aging, the issue on how to facilitate the quality of life (QOL) for older people brings us grand challenge. On the way to solve this problem, it is inextricable to measure QOL for older people accurately at onset. This study is aimed at evaluating the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD).MethodsWe received 1005 valid WHOQOL-OLD questionnaires from 1050 respondents who were 60 and older by quota sampling method. To calculate the test-retest correlation coefficient we re-interviewed 101 participants from the community. Psychometric properties were evaluated from the aspect of feasibility, internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, content validity, construct validity and discriminant validity.ResultsMissing item responses took up 0.0%-2.7% in the scale. The WHOQOL-OLD showed satisfactory reliability with Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients ranging from 0.711 (Social participation) to 0.842 (Sensory ability) for each domain. The intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) presenting test-retest reliability were all over 0.7. In Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) was 0.084 (a little more than 0.08) and comparative fit index (CFI) 0.95 (>0.90) which meant acceptable construct validity. There were higher correlation coefficients between items and their hypothesized domains than other domains (P < 0.001), indicating good content validity. The results of t-test showed good discriminant validity of the WHOQOL-OLD between the healthy group and the unhealthy group (P < 0.0083).ConclusionThe Chinese version of WHOQOL-OLD showed good feasibility, reliability and validity in this study. However, before it can be used national-widely, further research should be conducted in other areas of China.

Quality of life and attitudes to ageing in Turkish older adults at old people's homes

The purpose of this study was to investigate quality of life (QOL) and attitudes to ageing in Turkish older adults at two old people's homes (nursing homes) and to explain relationship between QOL and attitudes to ageing. This study is a quantitative and descriptive exploratory study of QOL and attitudes to ageing of older adults in nursing homes in a developing country. Two international data measurement tools were used for data collection. Data measurement instruments in this study are The World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD) and the WHO - Attitudes to Ageing Questionnaire (AAQ). The WHOQOL-OLD module consists of 24 items assigned to six facets (sensory abilities, autonomy, past, present and future activities, social participation, death and dying and intimacy) AAQ consists of 24 items classified in three domains (psychosocial loss, physical change and psychological growth) with eight items each. The Turkish version of the WHOQOL-OLD and AAQ was administered to 120 older (>65 years) adults living in two old people's homes in Samsun Province, Turkey. This study was conducted and planned between on 1 November 2011 and on 31 November, 2011. The results indicated that there was significant relationship between QOL and attitudes to ageing of older adults. In this study, the highest significant relationship is between psychological growth subscale of attitudes to ageing and sensory abilities subscale of QOL (r = 0.579; P < 0.01). Overall QOL and overall attitudes to ageing had a significant and positive relationship (r = 0.408; P < 0.01). The dimensions of attitudes to ageing (psychosocial loss, physical change and psychological growth) were significant predictors for QOL in older adults in Turkey. It was found that the gender does not affect overall QOL in older adults. However, happiness is significant variable for overall QOL in this study. The results suggest that QOL is a complex, multidimensional concept that should be studied at different levels of analysis in Turkey and other developing countries. The results of this study emphasize the importance of QOL in older adults in older people's homes in Turkey and attitudes to ageing of nursing home residents in Turkey.

Quality of Life (QOL) and Attitudes Toward Aging in Older Adults in Şanlıurfa, Turkey

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate quality of life (QOL) and attitudes toward aging in older adults in a province in Turkey. Methods: This is a quantitative and descriptive study of QOL and the attitudes toward aging in older adults. Instruments: The data measurement instruments used in this study are the World Health Organization (WHO) Quality of Life Instrument–Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD) and the WHO–Attitudes to Ageing Questionnaire (AAQ). Participants: The Turkish versions of the WHOQOL-OLD and AAQ were administered to 550 older adults living in şanlıurfa Province, Turkey. Results: The results indicated a significant relationship between QOL and attitudes toward aging in older adults. Two dimensions of attitudes toward aging (physical change and psychological growth) were significant predictors of QOL in older adults. It was found that gender, literacy, social security, age, and marital status affect some dimensions of QOL and some subscales of attitudes toward aging.