Cognitive-Behavioral Activity and Quality of Life of Women in Retirement Age

Abstract

Due to the increase in the average human lifespan, as well as the increase in the population of the elderly, Universities of the Third Age (UTA) were established. The tasks they fulfill include expanding knowledge, incorporating new knowledge into life experience, which is the cognitive-behavioral activity of the elderly. On the other hand, a factor supporting coping with difficulties is the sense of coherence (SOC). The aim of the study was to exam¬ine the relationship between participation in classes of the UTA and the sense of quality of life in retirees, and the relationship between quality of life and factors of the sense of coherence depending on participation in classes of the UTA. The study included 51 wom¬en participating in classes of the UTA in Gdańsk and 50 women who do not participate in classes of the UTA, aged 62 to 90. A better perception of the quality of life was observed among students of the UTA than among retirees without UTA. In both groups, a statisti¬cally significant relationship was observed between the sense of coherence and the main indicators of the quality of life. In summary, the research results indicate a significant role of UTA in maintaining the cognitive-behavioral activity of women of retirement age, and thus contributing to the perception of the quality of life of women of retirement age. This is an indication for investing in the development of UTA.