A Comparative Study on the Difference of Quality of Life of Male and Female Elder People in an Urban Community

Abstract

The researcher conducted a comparative study on the difference of the quality of life of male and female elderlies residing in Pook Amorsolo, Barangay UP Campus Diliman, Quezon City. A total number of 20 elderlies aged 60-75 years old participated in the study. Since the population of elderly males is only half of that of the female elder persons, the number of the sample population was based on the number of elderly males present in Pook Amorsolo. The researcher adapted a questionnaire based on the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) which uses a 26-item Likert scale to measure the quality of life of the elderlies. The scale included 4 domains which include—the Physical health, Psychological health, Social Relations, and the Physical Environment. Norms and scoring system given for the questionnaire were adapted as well. Interviews to both barangay health worker and 10 of the respondents (5 from each group of male and female elderly) were conducted to know the current projects and programs the community offers to the elderly, as well as, the elderlies’ outlook of what comprise a good life. After gathering the necessary data, the researcher found out that while females possess a higher quality of life, both genders have a moderate quality life. And while the community has existing projects for the betterment of the lives of their elderlies, the elder persons still have a few more suggestions for future projects or programs such as seminars which will teach them incomegenerating activities and leisure activities which they can enjoy and occupy their time. The study also showed that the greater quality of life experienced by women is affected by the social relationships they have and by their active lifestyle. Moreover, both male and female elder groups consider the following as essential factors in the achievement of quality of life— good health, stable source of income, and relationships with other people.