Calidad de vida en adultos mayores institucionalizados en Centros Gerontológicos de la ciudad de Cuenca en el periodo 2025-2026

Abstract

The quality of life of institutionalized older adults encompasses several aspects of great interest worldwide, given the progressive aging of the population. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the living conditions, including physical, psychological, and social factors, of one of the most vulnerable and forgotten groups in our country. Therefore, our study aims to describe the quality of life of institutionalized older adults in Gerontological Centers in the city of Cuenca during the period 2025-2026. The approach was quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, and descriptive in scope. Thirty older adults institutionalized at the Santa Ana Foundation and the Miguel León Home participated in the study. Sociodemographic forms were used to collect information on family visits, use of technical aids, and length of stay at the institution, as well as the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire to assess quality of life in the domains of physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment. The results showed a perception of quality of life within the normal range, with higher performance in the domain of psychological health and lower scores in the domain of social relationships. The absence of family visits was associated with slightly higher scores in all domains, while the use of technical aids and prolonged institutionalization were associated with a gradual deterioration in social relationships. This raises the need to implement comprehensive programs that strengthen autonomy and promote social interaction, in order to improve quality of life and ensure dignified aging.