Pedro Belo

Analysis of the impact of leisure on well-being and distress in ageing

This research aimed to study the effect of leisure activities in the psychological well-being, attitude for leisure and distress of seniors. The sample consisted of 403 participants (male -- 150; female -- 253), with a range age between 53--93 years. Regarding the perception of health condition, 333 subjects were considered independent (81.4%) while 70 participants were considered dependent (17.1%). Research is quantitative, with a design-cross. The instruments used were the MHI and the LAS. Main results showed that subjects that are involved in leisure activities presented high level of well-being and attitude for leisure (p<0,05). Participants that untaken big levels of distress, intended to be involved in activities of leisure that helped to decrease this symptom. It was found that the health perception of the seniors influenced the practice of a leisure activity [Hotellings Trace = 0.077; F (3,341) = 8.733; p = 0.00]. The results obtained helped to intend in recognize the need and importance of leisure activities among seniors.

Lifelong education

In a society where population aging is a very present reality, it is urgent the adaptation of social policies and strategies for promoting the well-being of this age group [7]. Learning lifelong and adult education are strategies that aim to achieve social, cultural and economic development [4]. They are, undoubtedly, strategies that have a positive impact on society. Intergenerational learning is a practice that allows us to include not only the older, as far as the younger population, benefiting from this strategy two disparate generations. Learning throughout life, through intergenerational sociability, has added value, encourages the closeness between the generations: the younger ones, develop a positive image and value the knowledge and skills of the older generations contradicting the myths rooted in society related to aging. At the same time, they acquire scholarship and life experiences from older people, which contributes to the general education of younger people. However, also the elderly benefit from these strategies because they also feel the positive impact of intergenerational learning: well-being and independence, improved self-esteem, with confidence in the future and sense of usefulness and value.

e-Health literacy in ageing

Health literacy and e-health literacy, increasingly used to empower citizens, are crucial in the use of health services, as that can influence users in adopting preventive measures and making informed decisions in the management of their disease / health. In this study we assessed the knowledge, skills and perceived capacity in the use of electronic sources for the management of health problems, in older people. The results indicate that age is associated significantly with e-health literacy on a negative way (p<.01), and a predictive model of health e-literacy (F(3,54)=10.5; p<.01) explained 36.9% of e- health literacy (R2= .369). This study points to the need to maximize concerted strategies to promote health literacy and e-health literacy thus giving the elderly equal opportunities to make healthy choices to increase health and wellness, towards a healthy aging.