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Senior´s Subjectively Perceived Quality of Life in Mikulov
ŠRÁMKOVÁ, Klára
The aim of this thesis is the quality of life subjectively felt by senior citizens living in the town Mikulov. For the elderly, a high-quality life is very important. It is usually a consequence of how the senior citizens are prepared for their own old age. The level of self-sufficiency and autonomy is equally crucial, as well as the extent of changes connected to ageing. Presence of an illness that limits the senior citizen also plays an important role. The thesis consists of two main parts. The first one is theoretical and deals with the above mentioned quality of life and factors that might influence it. Terms such as old age and ageing are defined in this part and also the periodization of old age and categorization of senior citizens are given. This part also describes the changes connected with ageing. The practical part of the thesis aims to determine the impact of different lifestyle on the quality of life and in general the factors influencing it. The method used is SEIQoL. This method uses direct answers of respondents, who give themselves five life goals (34). The necessary data was received on the bases of an additional method ? the semi-structured interview, which enabled to profoundly treat the different goals and to get to know the respondents better (understand their values). The data were then analysed using the pattern (gestalt) recognition method. The nature of this method is to detect certain patterns and structures that are more general and that based on similarity or diversity (21). The respondents were chosen intentionally according to certain criteria (21). For the purposes of this research, male and female senior citizens of very various ages and with various lifestyles were chosen. More precisely, the senior citizens chosen are four women between 67 and 80 and four men between 65 and 83. According to the research, the main factors affecting the quality of life of senior citizens are health and family. Different lifestyle of respondents is apparent once regarded their social life (family structures, friendships) in a closer perspective. As for the senior citizens that do not live in their own house or apartment, the research didn?t indicate any important differences. Three (out of eight) respondents are in this living situation. They affirm to have gotten used to the current living situation and be happy about it in the present. The living situation is also connected to the financial situation of the senior citizens. In case of respondents living in their own house or apartment, the monthly payments are reduced only to the overhead costs. In case of those living in a nursing home or home for the elderly, there is also the rent. I therefore suppose that different lifestyle of the senior citizens is not that important overall. What is more important, it is the level of satisfaction of senior citizens? needs and different factors affecting the quality of life in general. Among the most important ones can be mentioned: family, health and financial security (8). The respondents also agreed on the importance of their leisure time and of the way they are spending it. The void that comes naturally after the children leave home is generally filled by some domestic animal to keep the senior citizen company. Two of the respondents equally mentioned contentedness among other factors affecting their life. On the basis of this research we can assume that senior citizens in Mikulov are generally happy and the level of their subjectively felt quality of life is high. This thesis can serve as a source of information for those who are interested in related topics. Moreover, it can be used as a bases for creating measures that would improve the life quality of senior citizens in Mikulov.
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