Enhancement of longevity and quality of life in the elderly population in the city of San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca

Abstract

Aging and old age means recognizing that we are facing a complex reality, a dynamic, progressive and irreversible process in which multiple factors intervene.

The aim of this study was to assess and analyze the quality of life in the elderly population in the city of San Fernando del V. de Catamarca 2016-2018.

Descriptive cross-sectional study. For those variables that are categorical, the percentage frequencies were calculated and for the numerical variables, the average descriptive values ​​and standard deviations were calculated. This work had informed consent, which was evaluated and evaluated by the bioethics court of the San Juan Baptist Hospital in the Province of Catamarca. The data were collected a semi-structured survey, which was applied in a predetermined geographical area, about 100 blocks from Catamarca, Capital.

Of 260 respondents, average ages 73.5 years. Marital Status: 45.5% married, and 54.5% not. Level of education, 36.3% primary, 33.8% secondary, 21.3% tertiary and 8.8% university. the vast majority are retired, some have a pension and a small percentage work. Almost all said they had social work and were in rehabilitation. Pathologies mentioned: arterial hypertension (60%), osteoarthritis (51.3%) and diabetes mellitus (27.5%). then dementia, Alzheimer's and cancer. Risk factors, smoking and drinking habits, 22.6% said they smoke. 35.9% drink alcohol and more men, with respect to women, with a significant difference (p <0.05). 41.3% of respondents perform physical activities. 57.5% do not travel, and only 18.8% use technology. The data obtained tend to the central average, which could be related to the characteristics of the chosen population, which, although older, is in the initial phase of the aging process.

Changing lifestyle and healthy habits are essential to slow down the aging process and improve our health. Physical exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, avoiding tobacco and alcohol consumption, reducing stress levels, emotions and the importance of positive attitudes.