Changes in the quality of life of female participants from the University of the Third Age and their predictors

Abstract Objectives: The aim of the present qualitative and quantitative study was to investigate whether the participation of elderly persons in the University of the Third Age (U3A) of the Federal University of São Paulo, Baixada Santista (Unifesp/BS) led to a perceived improvement in quality of life; the meaning of the term quality of life for the participants; and whether education and social interaction are considered relevant in any such perceived improvement. Method: Data were collected through the SF-36 questionnaire and semi-structured interviews at the beginning and end of the academic year. Results: The quantitative data did not differ significantly between the beginning and end of the research period, except for the variable Vitality (V). The qualitative results, however, signaled a perception of change in terms of education, social interaction and quality of life. Conclusion: The data indicated that participation in the University of the Third Age at the Federal University of São Paulo, Baixada Santista (Unifesp/BS) was associated with a perception of positive changes in the quality of life of the elderly persons, who considered social interaction and education to be an important part of these improvements.

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U3A (the University of the Third Age) in Australia: a Model For Successful Ageing

Ageing and Society ◽

10.1017/s0144686x00000878 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 245-266 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Richard Swindell

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Postal Survey ◽

Successful Ageing ◽

Older Learners ◽

Third Age ◽

The Third ◽

Research Activities ◽

The Individual ◽

The University

ABSTRACTEducation may have an important role to play in helping to enhance older people's quality of life. The University of the Third Age (U3A) has operated successfully in many countries for nearly two decades, yet few studies have described the characteristics of those who are attracted to the movement, or the benefits to the individual and, possibly, to wider society of the U3A approach to education. This study discusses major findings from 770 responses to a postal survey involving members from twelve independent U3A campuses in three Australian States, and compares these findings with data reported for older learners in other countries. Some implications for Australian U3As undertaking research activities which have the potential to benefit the wider ageing community are raised.

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Healthy aging: Quality of life and health behaviours in students of the University of the Third Age – A preliminary study

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity ◽

10.29359/bjhpa.08.4.14 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 127-135 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Justyna Krzepota ◽

Dorota Sadowska ◽

Beata Florkiewicz

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Third Age ◽

The Third ◽

Preliminary Study ◽

The University

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The Analysis of Nutritional Habits of the Third Age Students in Poznań

Open Agriculture ◽

10.1515/opag-2020-0003 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 21-29

Author(s):

Magdalena Pracka ◽

Marcin Dziedziński ◽

Przemysław Łukasz Kowalczewski

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Eating Habits ◽

The Elderly ◽

The Body ◽

Nutritional Habits ◽

Third Age ◽

Waist To Hip Ratio ◽

The Third

AbstractIn recent years have seen increasing percentage of the elderly in the overall population. This has driven the attention to the lifestyle factors that influence the health and quality of life of this social group, including their nutrition and physical activity. Universities of the Third Age (U3A) are a valuable platform for the dissemination and broadening of the knowledge related to these topics. The nutritional habits of 61 U3A students in Poznań were evaluated on the basis of a modified KomPAN questionnaire. Their nutritional status was determined using the body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) indices. Nearly half of the respondents were overweight and 16% had first degree obesity. The WHR index in women was on average 0.8, while in men it was 1.01. Only 13% of the students declared regular eating, with 60% consuming 4-5 meals a day. Women were found to eat snacks between meals more often than men. It was also found that the majority of the elderly do not add salt to ready meals or sweeten beverages with sugars. Taking into account the observed nutritional problems and the occurrence of improper eating habits of the elderly, it is recommended to continue the education on the prevention of common diet-related diseased.

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