[HEALTH AND SATISFACTION WITH THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM AS FACTORS IN THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE OLDER GENERATION OF METROPOLITAN RESIDENTS].

Abstract

In the context of an aging population in megacities, it is important to maintain the health and activity of older people, improving their quality of life. To do this, it is necessary to study the factors affecting longevity, including individual health characteristics and perception of the health system (accessibility, responsiveness, effectiveness, ageism).

The purpose of the study: to identify an assessment of the quality of life of elderly Muscovites and the influence of factors related to health and the assessment of the health care system on it.

Materials and methods: a sociological survey, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and a z-test were used to compare the proportions of variables.

Results: an assessment of the quality of life and its components based on questionnaires showed that health is a key factor for the elderly, although its assessment was low. 47% of the elderly are committed to healthy lifestyle, of which 40% regularly exercise. 25% have bad habits, 26% are disabled, which reduces the quality of life. 18% seek medical help on a monthly basis. Those who go to doctors less often rate the quality of life higher (p m 0.001). Satisfaction with the last medical visit is higher than with the healthcare system as a whole.

Conclusion: the study revealed a link between healthy lifestyle and the quality of life of the elderly. Regular physical activity improves quality of life by reducing hypochondria and potentially offloading the healthcare system. Satisfaction with the health care system also affects the quality of life and requires an increase in the availability of medical care.