A influência da avosidade na satisfação com a vida e nas atitudes em relação à velhice em idosos não institucionalizados no contexto da pandemia pela Covid-19

Abstract

Introduction: Brazil has been experiencing an important moment of demographic transition towards aging. It is essential, therefore, to promote measures that allow active and successful aging. In this context, the role of grandfather/grandmother can influence the lives of the elderly, since the relationship between grandchildren and grandparents, in general, is marked by a feeling of satisfaction. Objective: To analyze the influence of grandparents on life satisfaction and attitudes towards aging in non-institutionalized elderly. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach carried out with elderly people in Brazil. Three instruments were used: socio-demographic questionnaire, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the Attitude Toward Own Aging scale. Results: In total, 200 answers were obtained from elderly people to the questionnaires. Most were 60-69 years old, female, and completed higher education. Most reported having 1 to 2 grandchildren and being satisfied with life. As to life satisfaction, the elderly who did not reduce contact with their grandchildren during the COVID-19 pandemic had a higher score (p = 0,0440). Regarding attitudes towards aging, a higher score was observed in elderly people with complete higher education (p = 0,0321), in those who practice physical exercises > 150 min/week (p = 0,0402), in those who have enough contact with their grandchildren (p = 0,0060), and in those who did not reduce contact with them during the COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0,0070). Conclusion: The elderly who did not reduce contact with their grandchildren during the COVID-19 pandemic showed greater satisfaction with life. Those who have completed higher education, who practice physical activity > 150 min/week, who spend enough time with their grandchildren, and who did not reduce their contact with them during the COVID-19 pandemic showed better attitudes towards aging