This study aimed to describe the socio-demographic profile and quality of life for seniors in Brazil; as well as to map and identify areas of lower quality of life scores. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational study which interviewed 2142 elderly in their homes, using the WHOQOL-BREF and WHOQOL-OLD instruments between August and December of 2008. Data was analyzed using simple frequency and kernel estimation. The majority of the sample was female, less than 70 years old, married or living with a partner, and earned minimum wage incomes. The quality of life showed higher scores in the social relationships domain and the functional facet of their senses, with the lowest scores related to physical aging and autonomy. Spatial distribution of the lower quality of life scores presented clusters in the outskirts of respective cities. Better knowledge of socioeconomic profiles of populations and spatial distribution allow for strategies based on the real needs of the elderly to be developed
Aging; Aged; Geriatric nursing; Quality of life; Geographic information systems
