Resumen

IRIGARAY, Tatiana Quarti  y  TRENTINI, Clarissa Marceli. Quality of life in elderly women: the importance of the subjective dimension. Estud. psicol. (Campinas) [online]. 2009, vol.26, n.3, pp. 297-304. ISSN 0103-166X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-166X2009000300003.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the concept of quality of life in elderly women, demonstrating what is important for them, as well as those aspects that may improve or detract from their quality of life. The sample consisted of 103 elderly women that answered questions concerning socio-demographic information and a questionnaire consisting of four open questions about their subjective perception of quality of life. The Convenience sampling method was used. The data were categorized according to analysis of the content. The results showed an association between the concept of quality of life and positive affects, health and independence. The factors identified as being important to quality of life were positive affects, health and a good financial situation. The aspects that adversely affected their quality of life were social situation, health problems and family problems. The following aspects may improve their quality of life: Better health, more leisure time and fewer family problems. The study indicates that quality of life is determined by multiple factors, involving physical, psychological and social aspects.

Palabras llave : Aging; Aged; Quality of life.