Promoting Quality of Life for Elderly People

Human aging is a progressive process of change in a person’s biological, psychological, and social structure, which begins before birth and develops throughout life (Direção Geral de Saúde – DGS, 2004).

When attempting to define the term elderly, the World Health Organization (WHO, 2002) classifies an elderly person based on chronological age, meaning that an individual is considered elderly at 65 years or older in developed countries. Aging, on the other hand, is defined as the extension and culmination of a process characterized by uninterrupted physiological and psychological modifications caused by the passage of time. It is considered a biological, psychological, and social phenomenon, with changes in these three aspects occurring gradually, at a slow pace, and in a largely heterogeneous manner. That is, aging is a unique process for each individual, with distinct characteristics (Zimerman, 2000).

Throughout life, individuals develop interpersonal relationships, which play a crucial role in daily life and personal experiences. However, as aging progresses, these relationships change due to age-related vulnerabilities caused by various factors, including the loss of a spouse, children, relatives, and friends, as well as isolation from family and social networks. This phenomenon increases dependency and fragility, as individuals experience functional limitations imposed by age-related decline.

The primary objective of a Nursing Home (ERPI) is to provide multidimensional support, ensuring favorable well-being that allows for social, economic, and family integration while promoting quality of life for elderly individuals based on their current needs.
To achieve this, it is essential to assess and study each individual, analyzing their primary needs and understanding their level of autonomy. This approach allows caregivers to address deficiencies where necessary while simultaneously preserving and maintaining existing abilities, rather than simply replacing their functions due to institutionalization. Active aging must be encouraged. According to Viegas (2007), the goal of active aging is to prolong an individual’s active life, ensuring that elderly people remain engaged in society, not as passive observers but as active participants. Quality of life is therefore a crucial health impact measure.

The WHO defines quality of life as an individual’s perception of their position in life within the context of their culture and value system, in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns. It is a broad concept that is influenced by physical health, social relationships, level of independence, and key environmental factors (WHO, 2002, p. 13).

Quality of life, well-being, and cognitive function are directly linked to social activity, interaction, and feeling integrated and useful within the family and community (Carvalho & Dias, 2011). According to the Direção Geral de Saúde – DGS (2003), the concept of quality of life is related to an individual’s perception that their needs are being met and that they are not denied opportunities to achieve happiness and personal fulfillment, aiming for an existence that surpasses mere survival.

The WHO Expert Group on Quality of Life describes quality of life as an individual’s perception of their position in life within the cultural and value system they belong to, in alignment with their goals, expectations, values, and concerns. Thus, quality of life includes health-related aspects, as well as physical, functional, emotional, and mental well-being, but it also encompasses social factors such as friendships, family, and work, which are not directly linked to health. Among the elderly, when events that lead to a decline in quality of life—such as illnesses—occur, it becomes essential to evaluate various factors, including physical, spiritual, psychological, social, and economic conditions.

At Vida Maior, we have the capability to assess each individual’s situation, intervene where partial or full assistance is required, and promote remaining abilities. Our approach stimulates both the individual and their family in the promotion and maintenance of abilities and quality of life, ensuring that aging is experienced with dignity, autonomy, and well-being.

By Andreia Correia

Nurse, Vida Maior