Aging with quality of life: the perception of elderly people participating in social groups

Abstract

This is a descriptive study with qualitative approach that aims to identify the factors that influence the process of aging with quality of life. This research is according to the perception of elderly participants in social groups for the aged in the municipal district of Erechim, RS. The twelve co-coordinators of the groups that took part in this study answered the following question: which are the factors that influence the process of aging with quality of life? The interviews occurred from January to February 2008. The analysis of the data has allowed the identification of seven categories: decent retirement, relationships, physical and mental health, freedom to manage one's own life, spirituality, the need of government policies. The factors identified by the elderly correspond to their daily experiences that present a political, social, economic, and spiritual character