The Age Factor – A mixed methods study on quality of life among the young old, the old, and the oldest-old among a Florida village sample

DOI: 10.5176/2251-3833_GHC19.134

Authors: Dr. Su-I Hou

Abstract: Purpose: This study used mixed methods convergent design to examine quality of life (QOL) among village older adults. Methods: The Older People’s Quality of Life (OPQOLbrief) was used. Qualitative questions on aging-in-place barriers, services used, and strategies were asked. Results: A total of 96 members participated. About 79% were females, 91% whites, 56% married, 86% had college education, and 46% living alone. Mean age was 70.7 (SD=10.10) years, with 25.5% in pre-old age, 38.3% in “young old”, 28.7% in “old”, and 7.4% in the “oldestold” groups. OPQOL reliability was satisfactory (alpha = .92) and scores were different by age (p=.005). Pre-old, “young old”, and “old” all had significantly higher QOL scores than the “oldest-old”. Participants across all age voiced strong desire to stay connected. Discussion: QOL among village members might be able to maintain till the “old” age. Results had implication on age-tailored programs to promote healthy aging.

Keywords: mixed method research; age, village-to-village (VtV); quality of life; aging-in-place barriers and services