https://doi.org/10.37955/cs.v8i2.349
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Active Aging and Quality of Life: A
Bibliographical Review
Envejecimiento Activo y Calidad de Vida: Una Revisión
Bibliográfica
Eduardo Vicente Alvarado Villamar
Msc. Instituto Superior Universitario Espíritu Santo
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1900-1431
ealvarado2@tes.edu.ec
Heydi Stefania Alvarado Villamar
Msc. Instituto Superior Universitario Espíritu Santo
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5046-3191
hsalvarado@tes.edu.ec
ABSTRACT
The article responds to a result related to the theoretical foundations
on health promotion, disease prevention in older adults, well-being
environments and quality of life corresponding to the research project
“Health promotion and disease prevention for the improvement of
"the quality of life of the elderly of the Clemencia Foundation and the
Sofía Ratinoff Asylum of the City of Guayaquil." In it, a compilation of
relevant research and studies on active aging was carried out,
addressing factors associated with subjective well-being, the
perception of quality of life, and the influence of comprehensive health
care programs in older adults. A qualitative methodology was worked
on; Documentary research was developed, particularly bibliographic
review, for the construction of a theoretical framework, and a variety
of theoretical methods were used, such as analysis and synthesis,
inductive-deductive, with the objective of critically and reflexively
analyzing the existing literature on the active aging and quality of life,
to take a position from a comprehensive vision. The results obtained
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during the research highlight the need for holistic interventions
adapted to the reality of the context, and the implementation of
educational programs to face the challenges of aging.
RESUMEN
En el artículo responde a un resultado relativo a los sustentos teóricos
sobre promoción de la salud la prevención de enfermedades en adultos
mayores, entornos de bienestar y calidad de vida correspondiente al
proyecto de investigación “Promoción de la salud y prevención de
enfermedades para el mejoramiento de la calidad de vida de los
adultos mayores de la Fundación Clemencia y el Asilo Sofía Ratinoff
de la Ciudad de Guayaquil”. En el mismo se realizó una recopilación
de investigaciones y estudios relevantes sobre el envejecimiento
activo, abordando factores asociados al bienestar subjetivo, la
percepción de calidad de vida, y la influencia de programas de atención
integral de salud en adultos mayores. Se trabajó un enfoque cualitativo
con investigación de tipo documental en particular de revisión
bibliográfica para la construcción de un marco teórico, y se utilizó
variedad de métodos teóricos como el análisis y síntesis, lo inductivo-
deductivo, con el objetivo de analizar crítica y reflexivamente la
literatura existente sobre el envejecimiento activo y la calidad de vida,
para la toma de posición desde una visión integral. Los resultados
obtenidos durante la investigación resaltan la necesidad de
intervenciones holísticas adaptadas a la realidad del contexto, y de la
implementación de programas de educativos para enfrentar los
desafíos del envejecimiento.
Keywords / Palabras clave
active aging, quality of life, health promotion, well-bein
envejecimiento activo, calidad de vida, promoción de la salud,
bienestar.
Introduction
Population aging is a worldwide phenomenon that demands
increasingly significant public health attention. As the proportion of
older adults steadily increases, the need to understand and
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comprehensively address the complexities associated with aging
intensifies. In this context, promoting health and improving the
quality of life in the elderly have been established as fundamental
pillars to respond to the challenges that this phenomenon entails.
An exhaustive analysis of the existing literature reveals a multiplicity
of approaches and perspectives from which these issues have been
explored. The studies conducted offer a wealth of information that
contributes not only to the understanding of the factors that influence
the health and well-being of older adults, but also to the identification
of effective strategies to improve their quality of life. In this literature
review research, a critical and reflective analysis of the collected
sources is conducted through the establishment of indicators related
to quality of life in the context of aging.
By outlining the current research landscape in this field, we seek not
only to consolidate previous knowledge, but also to highlight key areas
that require further attention and development. A thorough
understanding of the theoretical underpinnings, successful practices,
and challenges inherent in health promotion in later life is crucial to
developing policies, interventions, and programs that effectively
address the needs of an increasingly aging population.
In this research, we explore relevant models, examine health
promotion strategies implemented nationally and internationally, and
review the literature on factors associated with subjective well-being
and quality of life in older adults. By integrating these perspectives, the
aim is to obtain a comprehensive and updated vision that can serve as
a solid basis for future research and for the formulation of policies
aimed at improving the experience of aging.
The aim of the literature review article is to critically and reflectively
analyze the existing literature on health promotion and quality of life
in the elderly, which will contribute to take a position from a
comprehensive and updated viewpoint.
Materials and Methods
The research has a qualitative approach; of documentary type in
particular of bibliographic review for the construction of a theoretical
framework, and a variety of theoretical methods were used such as
analysis and synthesis, inductive-deductive, with the objective of
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critically and reflexively analyzing the existing literature on active
aging and quality of life, for taking a position from an integral vision,
whose fundamental purpose was to thoroughly understand the
phenomenon of aging from different perspectives. The choice of this
approach is justified by the need to flexibly explore and analyze the
existing literature, thus allowing an enriched understanding of the
complexities associated with active aging and quality of life in old age.
Interventions
The research focuses on gathering and analyzing relevant information
on active aging and quality of life in older adults, based on a systematic
search of the literature, following the steps below:
Literature Search: An exhaustive search of sources related to active
aging and quality of life in older adults is performed. More than 200
primary, secondary and tertiary sources were consulted, mainly
scientific articles published in indexed journals from 2017 to 2023.
Databases such as Dialnet, Digitalia, Esboco, E-Libro, Scopus, Scielo,
Redalyc, among others, were used.
Organization of the information: The information collected is
organized in a systematic and logical manner. Using word processing
programs such as Word and Zotero, the sources were organized by
title, author and main contributions. Twenty-four relevant sources
were selected for critical analysis.
Information Analysis: A critical and reflective analysis of the selected
sources was carried out. The most significant contributions in relation
to active aging and quality of life in old age were identified and
evaluated. This analysis allowed assuming a critical position on active
aging and quality of life in older adults.
Results
In the analysis of the selected information on active aging and quality
of life in older adults, indicators were established that allowed a better
understanding of the literature reviewed, such as:
- Factors associated with subjective well-being
- Perception of quality of life
- Health promotion and theoretical models
- Comprehensive care programs
- Global challenges and opportunities
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Factors Associated with Subjective Well-being
In the literature review of this first indicator, 10 articles were found in
the specific interval from 2017 to 2023, of which only three are related
to older adults (Alvarado et al., 2017; Hernández et al., 2018; Torres &
Flores, 2018) of the selected studies none is developed in Ecuador, but
if they respond to the reality of the countries of the region, these three
studies provide valuable perspectives for future research on active
aging and quality of life in older adults.
Although they do not respond to the Ecuadorian reality, their regional
approach makes them relevant for understanding the challenges and
opportunities associated with aging in the region. In relation to this
indicator, the literature review shows the need for holistic
interventions that consider both physical and mental health.
Incorporating socially interactive recreational activities can be crucial,
as they not only promote physical activity, but also strengthen social
ties, essential factors for subjective well-being.
The authors of this study share the research developed by Alvarado et
al., (2017) because it comprehensively addresses factors linked to
subjective well-being in older adults. The research highlights key
elements, such as mental health, social relationships and recreational
activities, evidencing their determinant role in the subjective
perception of well-being. These findings underscore the need to
consider these aspects in the formulation of health promotion
strategies, focusing not only on physical health but also on emotional
and social well-being.
Perception of Quality of Life.
In the literature review of this second indicator, 20 articles are located
in the specific interval from 2017 to 2023, of which eight are related to
the perception of quality of life of the older adult (García & Arteaga,
2018; González & Lima, 2017; Palma & Mendoza, 2018; Quiroga et al.,
2022; Ramírez, 2019; Solís & Villegas, 2021).
These authors consider that population aging is a global reality that
demands special attention in terms of public health. This literature
review focuses on relevant studies that explore the perception and
quality of life in older adults. A summary of some key research is
presented below:
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The authors (Gonzalez & Lima, 2017) explore self-efficacy, health
perception and loneliness, and their relationship with quality of life in
older adults. It offers an integrative view of psychological and social
factors. Their findings contribute to understanding how these factors
influence quality of life.
In relation to psychological factors, authors such as (García & Arteaga,
2018) highlight the importance of psychological strategies to improve
quality of life; for their part, (Ramírez, 2019) proposes ideas on
autonomy and quality of life in this population; and (Solís & Villegas,
2021) examines psychological well-being and the perception of quality
of life in indigenous older adults in Ecuador, providing a unique
perspective on quality of life in a specific cultural context.
In contrast, (Palma & Mendoza, 2018) provide a perspective on the
role of social work in improving quality of life. On the other hand,
(Bustos & Guzmán, 2021) investigate that the perception of quality of
life in older adults in geriatric centers in Ecuador, and the incidence of
the residential environment on their quality of life. In turn, (Quiroga
et al., 2022) analyze the perception of social support and quality of life
in Chilean elderly, especially during the 2020 pandemic, which
addresses the influence of the social environment on quality of life.
In general, these investigations highlight the diversity of factors that
influence the perception and quality of life of the elderly, from
psychological and social aspects to specific interventions. Although not
all the studies focus exclusively on Ecuador, they offer valuable
contributions to the research topic.
Health Promotion and Theoretical Models.
In the literature review of this third indicator, 28 articles are located
in the specific interval from 2017 to 2023, of which six are related to
health promotion and theoretical models of the older adult: (Broche,
2018; Bustamante et al., 2023; Díaz & Arias, 2021; Duque et al., 2020;
Herrera et al., 2022; Yordi & Ramos, 2019). These studies provide a
wide range of information on health promotion and theoretical models
used to address various aspects of health in different populations and
contexts.
Author (Broche, 2018) addresses cognitive health promotion and
dementia prevention from a multidimensional perspective; providing
information on relevant strategies and dimensions to promote mental
health, especially among older adults. While the authors (Yordi &
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Ramos, 2019) evaluate in their research the relevance of health
promotion in the Cuban gerontological scenario, expose the health
promotion needs in the older adult population and propose strategies
to address these needs.
On the other hand, (Duque et al., 2020) develop a literature review
research on the relationship between physical activity, aging and
functional capacity; they expose in their work the benefits of physical
activity in health promotion and maintenance of functionality in older
adults.
In contrast, (Herrera et al., 2022) analyze the role of the nursing
professional in health promotion at the second level of care; they
propose strategies and nursing practices to promote health and
prevent diseases in health care settings. Similarly, (Díaz & Arias, 2021)
in their study evaluate the effectiveness of a nursing intervention in
the promotion of healthy lifestyle habits using the theoretical model of
Nola Pender, demonstrating from the results of the intervention, the
adoption of healthy behaviors by the participants.
In the case of (Bustamante et al., 2023) they examine health
promotion in an urban community from the perspective of Nola
Pender's model, and propose in their study strategies and actions
based on this theoretical model to improve health and well-being in
the community.
These studies provide a comprehensive view of health promotion and
theoretical models applied to older adults. The results of each study
contribute to the understanding of how to address the specific health
challenges of this population and propose effective strategies to
improve their well-being and quality of life.
Comprehensive Care Programs
The analysis of comprehensive care programs for the elderly in
Ecuador, Mexico and Peru reveals an organized and professional
structure in the implementation of public health policies and strategies
in these countries.
In Peru, through the (Ministry of Public Health of Peru, 2010), the
National Health Plan of Peru to 2021 has been established, which
provides information on health programs and policies, including those
aimed at comprehensive care for older adults in the country. On the
other hand, in Mexico, the (Ministry of Public Health of Mexico, 2016)
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in Programa Nacional de Salud 2013-2018, which contains detailed
information on the programs aimed at comprehensive care for the
elderly, as well as the objectives and strategies for their
implementation. In Ecuador, through the (Ministerio de Inclusión
Económica y Social, 2014) has established the National Plan for Good
Living 2013-2017, which focuses on improving the quality of life of
older adults through specific programs and policies.
As a result of the literature review, it was found that there is little
research in the country on comprehensive care programs for older
adults; it is worth mentioning authors such as (Puello et al., 2017) who
developed a study to determine the impact of the actions of a nursing
program with a promotional and self-care approach on the functional
capacity of older adults; concluding that the actions developed
improved the levels of functionality of the participants in terms of
reversing the limitations in functional capacity: from moderate
dependence to mild dependence and from mild to independent;
likewise, they potentiated the capacity to regulate the self-sufficiency
and autonomy of the subject thereby benefiting health.
The nursing care actions carried out with timeliness, quality and
warmth simultaneously accompanied by alternative educational
support programs in health promotion, allowed keeping the older
adult active, participating in groups, with higher levels of knowledge
regarding self-care, with adequate nutritional practices, and regular
physical exercise; they are also able to focus their actions on the
prevention of disabilities and to responsibly assume their self-care in
both health and disease (Puello et al., 2017).
In addition, from the systematic review research conducted by (Bonilla
et al., 2020) and the comparative study conducted by (Garza &
González, 2017) offer a very general overview of comprehensive care
programs in the elderly, highlighting their approaches, outcomes and
possible areas for improvement.
These studies demonstrate professional and organized work in
addressing comprehensive care for older adults in the region, with an
emphasis on evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and adapting
them to the specific needs of each population.
Global Challenges and Opportunities.
The literature review on aging and health of the older adult, based on
reports from the (Pan American Health Organization, 2022), provides
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an organized and professional perspective on the challenges and
opportunities in this crucial field. According to the report of the (World
Health Organization, 2015) provides a detailed overview of the
challenges facing health promotion in this population. It highlights the
vital importance of promoting healthy aging and offers key
recommendations to address these concerns globally. This report
reflects a structured, evidence-based approach to understanding and
addressing the challenges related to aging and health.
On the other hand, the "Healthy Aging" campaign conducted by the
(World Health Organization, 2015) represents a central initiative to
promote the health of older adults globally. By providing specific
strategies and resources, this campaign demonstrates a practical and
action-oriented approach to improving the well-being and quality of
life of older people worldwide. Its focus on providing tangible solutions
highlights the importance of addressing the challenges of aging
proactively.
The inclusion of these sources in the literature review provides a
comprehensive and professional view on the subject. It highlights the
importance of promoting healthy aging and offers practical
recommendations for addressing the challenges in this field
internationally. This robust and structured approach establishes a
comprehensive framework for understanding the relevance and
applicability of health promotion strategies in different contexts and
countries.
Conclusions
The literature review provided a solid foundation for understanding
key factors related to health promotion and quality of life in older
adults.
The results highlight the need for holistic, culturally sensitive
interventions tailored to the specific realities of each region, and the
need to implement ongoing evaluation and global collaboration
programs to address the challenges of global aging.
The results obtained from the literature review demonstrated the
relevance and timeliness of the research topic and the need for it to be
addressed not only by health professionals but also by
multidisciplinary teams that, from different approaches, provide
valuable contributions to the formulation of policies and programs
aimed at improving the experience of aging in today's society.
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