Correlation between engagement in pleasurable activities, quality of life, and depressive symptoms in the elderly person in different contexts
Aged; Depression; Enjoyable activities; Quality of life; Active aging.
With the significant increase in the elderly population in Brazil, there is a growing concern about the quality of life (QoL) of this group, which is vulnerable to the development of biological and psychological diseases. Therefore, it is essential to conduct research that identifies aspects that promote better QoL and prevent illnesses. The objective of this study was to analyze the correlation between levels of engagement in rewarding activities, depressive symptoms, and QoL in elderly people attending Basic Health Units and Family (UBSF) and those who participate in the Open University for Maturity (UAMA). The study was conducted with a sample of 100 elderly people, 50 from the UAMA group and 50 from the UBSF group, ranging in age from 60 to 85 years. The study is characterized as quantitative, descriptive, and correlational. The instruments used were: sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), WHOQOL-Old, The California Older Person's Pleasant Events Schedule – OPPES-BR, and Social Media Engagement Questionnaire (QEMS). The analyses were performed using R software, using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicate a significant correlation (p<0.001) between depression, enjoyable activities, and QoL in elderly people, showing the interrelationship between these variables, as well as the influence of the socioeconomic context. It is concluded that elderly people who are in a continuous education process present a better QoL, participate more in enjoyable activities, and have fewer depressive symptoms, while the elderly population inserted in a context of social vulnerability manifested alarming depressive symptoms, negative perception of QoL, and less frequency of enjoyable activities.