Envelhecimento populacional e qualidade de vida: um estudo nos municípios do estado de Goiás

Abstract

In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of elderly people in Brazil, and specifically in the state of Goiás. However, living longer is not synonymous with living better, and old age can be accompanied by several non-positive factors that compromise quality of life. This study aims to evaluate whether municipal levels of quality of life are related to aspects of population aging in the municipalities of the state of Goiás. The study methodology used was a literature review on the theme and the research technique for the municipality was Exploratory Factor Analysis - AFC, with the collection of secondary data related to social, economic, health, infrastructure factors, among others, in the 246 municipalities of Goiás. To analyze the results obtained, the municipalities were grouped as follows: one group with the municipalities that obtained, together, the highest Quality of Life Index (IQVID) and the highest Population Aging Index (IEP); a second group with the municipalities that obtained, together, the highest IQVID and the lowest IEP; a third group within the municipalities, together, with the lowest IQVID and the highest IEP; and a fourth group within the municipalities that corresponded, together, with the lowest IQVID and the lowest IEP. It was found that, regardless of the population size of the municipality, the region in which the municipality is located, and the number of elderly residents, the quality of life does not directly correlate to the aspects of population aging in all municipalities; therefore, the heterogeneity of the elderly population, in terms of socioeconomic or chronological bias, has different demands that affect the formulation of public policies. Preparing municipalities for elderly people and for those who are aging is a necessary and logical response to quality of life. As an intervention, it is proposed that municipalities offer daycare services for elderly people to spend the day. This action promotes inclusion and social interaction, which is reflected in health and quality of life. The Technical Product of this study was the preparation of a booklet sent via email to the city halls of the municipalities of the state of Goiás to raise awareness of actions that contribute to making the municipality a better place for elderly people.