O-37 Assessment of quality of life among the aging community in Grenada

Methods: A cross sectional, mixed methods approach for both in persons surveys and interviews of elderly persons was used during the period March to August2024. A multistage sampling strategy gained quantitative survey feedback across all parishes and a random representative approach among parishes was applied for the qualitative interview process. Study participants were recruited from databases at the Ministry of Social and Community Development, Housing and Gender Affairs. Quality of life assessment was based on criteria from the United States, National Council on Aging (NCOA, 2020).

Results: A total of 408 participants 264 females (64%), 143 males completed the survey, and 40 participants participated in interviews. Study participants have a mean age of 71 years, reported marital status by 74%, primary school education among 94.6%, monthly average income of 500 Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) and a mean work experience of 39 years. Quality of life encompasses various dimensions, including physical, mental, social, spiritual, occupational, and financial well-being. Optimal quality of life was reported among 13.7% for physical health, 25.5% for mental health, 28.7% for social health, 94.4% for spiritual wellbeing, 18.8% for occupational wellbeing and 29.2% for financial wellbeing. Independent sample 2 tailed t test recorded a significant difference in quality of life among participants based on their health condition (p<0.001), religious engagement (p<0.001) and socio-economic status (p<0.001) Thematic analysis of interviews emphasized personal characteristics of family and religion with quality of life while health burdens and financial challenges compromised quality of life.

Conclusion: Quality of life of the elderly in Grenada was found to be variable and dependent on health and socioeconomic status. Social relations with family, community and engagement with religious practices are consistent with promoting wellbeing