Self-evaluation of the Quality of Life of Seniors with Neurological Disorders

Abstract

Introduction. Quality of life and old age are closely related. Aging is perceived as a destructive, progressive, and irreversible process. This process is caused by biological factors related to physical involution as well as psychosocial factors. Elderly people have difficulties related to deteriorating health.
Aim. The study aims to determine the quality of life of elderly people with neurological disorders.
Material and Methods. The research was conducted in the Lublin Voivodeship, in a group of 111 elderly people diagnosed with neurological diseases. 51.35% of participants were female. The age of the respondents was in the range of 65–95 years. A standardized questionnaire: the WHOQOL-BREF constituted the research tool.
Results. In the examined group of patients, the general quality of life was assessed at an average level of 3.11 ± 1.12, and the assessment of health at the level of 2.81 ± 1.00. The respondents rated the highest the environmental domain (57.05 ± 16.23). The social relationship domain was at an average level; 54.00 ± 24.08, while the psychological one was 46.38 ± 13.16. The physical health domain received the lowest scores (44.53 ± 12.42).
Conclusions. The self-evaluation of the quality of life completed by elderly people with neurological disorders was at a low level. Marital status differentiated the quality of life in the social domain. The residence of the studied seniors influenced the assessment of their overall quality of life. (JNNN 2019;8(1):11–15)