Health-related quality of life of older women participating in a university sport and leisure program

Abstract

This study analyzed the health-related quality of life of elderly women participating in a university-based sport and leisure program  [NN ELIMINADO PARA FINS DE AVALIAÇÃO POR PARES]l. The sample consisted of 32 women with a mean age of 72.6 years. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining the WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire with semi-structured interviews. Quantitative results revealed high scores in the domains of “social participation,” “past, present and future activities,” and “intimacy,” indicating positive perceptions of social interaction, emotional bonds, and life continuity. The lowest scores were found in the “death and dying” domain, reflecting discomfort in dealing with life’s finitude. No statistically significant correlations were found between quality of life and variables such as time in the program, weekly frequency of physical activity, or number of household residents, although some comparisons showed trends toward significance. Qualitative analysis reinforced the importance of subjective experiences within the activities and highlighted that a sense of belonging, emotional support, and the appreciation of life stories positively influence well-being. The findings suggest that programs for older adults should go beyond physical activity and include opportunities for dialogue, connection, and meaning-making in aging. It is concluded that collective experiences mediated by universities can contribute to active and dignified aging, but further studies with larger and more diverse samples are needed to strengthen the evidence and support the development of more effective actions.