OBJECTIVE: To compare quality of life scores among elderly who participated in and those who did not participate in group educational activities. METHODS: A cross-sectional household survey conducted with 1,255 elderly. We used descriptive analysis and the Student t-test (p <0.05). RESULTS: The majority of elderly, in both groups, were female, aged between 60 - 70 years; there was a prevalence of individuals who were married or living with a partner, residing with children, and who had a monthly income at the minimum wage. The participants predominantly presented with 1 - 4 years of study, and non-participants with 4 - 8 years. The elderly who participated in group educational activities presented lower scores in the social relationships domain, and in the facets of sensory functioning, autonomy, past, present and future activities, and social participation, as compared to those who did not participate. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the necessity for reflection about group educational activities developed in the health services, as a factor that contributes to the improvement of the conditions of health and quality of life for the elderly.
Aged; Quality of life; Health education; Geriatric nursing
