SECURING HEALTH: SOCIAL REHABILITATION AND WELLBEING IN LATE ADULTHOOD

Background: As a natural and common experience, aging can be a source of personal-growth, provided the aging person knows how to face its challenges and deal with its limitations. Re-education and social rehabilitation can significantly improve senior citizens' situation. Health and social support are important factors in seniors' quality of life, and can be preserved into a relatively advanced old age. Material/Methods: Our research involved 181 volunteers, 95 women and 86 men, from 65 to 91 years of age. All participants were interviewed on their physical health. They also completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Health Behavior Inventory. Results: The interview proved that many participants suffered from age-associated diseases, but there were also a few who reported no chronic diseases. The life satisfaction of our subjects turned out to be moderately positive, with no significant difference between men and women. Analysis of health behaviours showed that they were rather health-focused. We also observed that our female and male respondents' scores differed significantly in two subscales: proper nutrition habits and preventive behaviors. Conclusions: Our study can provide useful information for health care practitioners and researchers, epidemiologists and social care workers to better understand the real needs of senior patients. These seniors were aware and self-reliant in their health behaviors, and showed positive life satisfaction. This positive correction of the picture of aging, together with further education and counseling, can improve senior citizens' socioeconomic status.