Quality of life of older adults in Canada and Brazil

Abstract

In this study, we examined the factors contributing to quality of life (QOL) of older adults in regions of Canada and Brazil. The WHOQOL-BREF and a demographic data sheet were administered to random samples of 202 older adults from Canada and 288 from Brazil. Ratings on overall QOL and on the physical, psychological, and environmental domains were higher in the Canadian sample. Social domain scores were not significantly different. The authors found the same pattern of factors (health satisfaction, enough money, meaning in life, and opportunities for leisure activities) contributed to the variance of QOL in both countries, except for physical environment, which was significant in Brazil and not in Canada. Health satisfaction was the strongest contributor to QOL in both samples, and satisfaction with personal relationships was not significant in either country.