CRC-W - Contribuições em Revistas Científicas / Contribution to Journals
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Browsing CRC-W - Contribuições em Revistas Científicas / Contribution to Journals by Subject "Active and healthy aging"
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- Active aging awareness and well-being among older adults in PortugalPublication . Costa, Andreia; Henriques, Joana; Alarcão, Violeta; Henriques, Adriana; Madeira, Teresa; Virgolino, Ana; Sousa, Joana; Feteira-Santos, Rodrigo; Arriaga, Miguel; Rocha, Jorge; Nogueira, PauloObjective: This study aims to assess the active aging awareness of older adults in mainland Portugal and their levels of overall well-being and to identify social and health-related factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of 613 older adults, aged 65 or older, who participated in the PROKnos – Knowing Social Prescribing needs of the elderly study in Portugal. The questionnaire consisted of the Active Ageing Awareness Questionnaire and the World Health Organization – Five Well-Being Index, as well as sociodemographic, economic, and health status questions. Correlation coefficients, t-tests for independent samples, and one-way ANOVA were used to explore potential associations between variables. Results: The active aging awareness levels were significantly higher for women (p = 0.031), and those who were younger (p = 0.011), more educated (p < 0.001), had a better financial situation (p < 0.001), and had better health (p < 0.001). The same pattern was found for well-being, except in relation to gender, as men had higher levels (p = 0.016). These variables were found to be correlated. Discussion: Even though active aging is an important strategy to implement, it is indispensable to consider the perceptions and conditions that need to be in place before that. This study reveals that several social and health-related factors are associated with well-being and active aging awareness, as well as the differences between groups that exist in mainland Portugal in relation to that. This emphasizes how vital it is to address social inequalities in active aging efforts, which are not necessarily uncovered when only considering actual active aging measures.
- Active and healthy aging after COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal and other European countries: time to rethink strategies and foster actionPublication . Costa, Andreia; Camara, Gisele; Arriaga, Miguel Telo de; Nogueira, Paulo; Miguel, José PereiraThe population aging in Europe imposes challenges to societies that require adaptations and responses at various levels to minimize impacts and figuring out opportunities. Portugal has been committed to the World Health Organization and European Union's values and policy frameworks concerning active and healthy aging. In 2017, an inter-ministerial working group developed the National Strategy for Active and Healthy Aging. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic that exposed the vulnerabilities of older populations, the launch of the Decade of Healthy Aging 2021-2030 and its baseline report and the 2018 Active Aging Index Analytical Report may constitute an opportunity to strategically think about the aging of the population as a national purpose in Portugal and in the other European countries that face similar challenges.
- “You get out of the house, you talk to each other, you laugh… and that’s fantastic” – a qualitative study about older people’s perceptions of social prescribing in mainland PortugalPublication . Costa, Andreia; Henriques, Joana; Alarcão, Violeta; Madeira, Teresa; Virgolino, Ana; Polley, Marie J.; Henriques, Adriana; Feteira-Santos, Rodrigo; Arriaga, Miguel; Nogueira, PauloBackground: Social prescribing (SP) is a non-clinical approach, most commonly based in healthcare units, that aims to address non-medical health-related social needs by connecting individuals with community-based services. This qualitative study explores the perception of Portuguese older adults regarding the benefits of SP and their willingness to participate in SP initiatives. Methods: Three face-to-face focus group sessions were conducted with 23 participants in different cities in Portugal. Open and semi-open questions were used to guide the discussions and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: The participants recognized the potential benefits of SP for older adults, including diversifying leisure activities, improving mental health, and complementing existing support systems. They highlighted the need for external support, usually in the form of link workers, to facilitate personalized referrals and consider individual characteristics and preferences. While some participants expressed reluctance to engage in SP due to their existing busy schedules and a perceived sense of imposition, others showed openness to having new experiences and recognized the potential value of SP in promoting activity. Barriers to participation, including resistance to change, mobility issues, and family responsibilities, were identified. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the importance of a person-centered and co-designed approach to SP, involving older adults in the planning and implementation of interventions. The findings provide valuable insights for the development of SP programs tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of older adults in Portugal, ultimately promoting active and healthy aging. Future research should consider the perspectives of family doctors and include a broader representation of older adults from diverse geographic areas.