Evaluation of the quality of life in the university of third age students: a cross-sectional study

Aim To investigate the quality of life (QoL) and related factors in university of third age (U3A) students, as well as to compare the QoL between those who participated in education and those who did not. Findings The highest value was found in the psychological and general health sub-parameter, and the lowest value in the social relations sub-parameters. The physical health scores of the former students were higher than those of the new students. Message It was determined that the QoL of the individuals participating in the U3A training was positive in terms of the physical health sub-dimension. In order to determine the effect of the U3A training program, it is recommended to conduct research that can be evaluated before and after the training. Purpose The purpose of this paper was to determine the quality of life (QoL) and related factors in university of third age (U3A) students, as well as to compare the QoL between those who participated in education and those who did not. Methods Two hundred seventy-one people aged 60 and over who are students at Ege U3A, were included in this cross-sectional study. Demographic data of participants were collected through a pre-prepared form. Data on the QoL of individuals were collected through the short form of the WHO QoL Scale (WHOQOL-BREF). Results A total of 271 participants were included in this study. 82.2% (n = 221) of the research group were women. In U3A, 65.3% (n = 177) of the individuals were former students. The highest value was found in the psychological and general health sub-parameter with 75.0%, and the lowest value in the social relations sub-parameters with 66.7%. The scores of sub-parameters of social environment were significantly higher in men than in women (p < 0.001, respectively). The physical health scores of the former students were higher than those of the new students (p < 0.001). Conclusions It was determined that the QoL of U3A students was higher among males, those with higher education levels, and those who were married, as well as that the QoL of the individuals participating in the U3A training was positive in the physical health sub-dimension. There is a need for future studies in which pre- and post-training evaluations will be conducted to determine the impact of the U3A training program.