Educational intervention to achieve a culture of active and healthy aging

Abstract

Introduction: one of the most relevant current demographic problems, both globally and nationally, is population aging; it is expected that in Cuba by the year 2030, one fifth of the population will be classified as elderly. For the Cuban state, it is a priority to ensure the health and well-being of this vulnerable group.

Objective: to design an educational intervention related to the culture of active and healthy aging aimed at older adults belonging to the Medical Clinic 10 of the Elena Fernández Castro Polyclinic, Los Palacios municipality, Pinar del Río province, in the period between January 2019 and June 2021.

Methods: an applied research was carried out with a first descriptive part and a second part of design of an educational intervention, the study universe: 228 older adults. Sample: 110 who met the inclusion criteria, theoretical and empirical methods were applied through a structured survey, the MGH quality of life scale and the lifestyle questionnaire, descriptive statistical methods were used.

Results: 65 - 69 years old, female sex, married, hypertensive, primary and secondary schooling, low quality of life and unhealthy lifestyles predominated.

Conclusions: An educational intervention was designed with individual, family and community scope, it is expected that the instructive conception for healthy aging will contribute to face the negative consequences of population aging in the medium term.