Gender, adiposity and age as predictors of quality of life in Costa Rican university-retirees

Abstract

This study investigated predictors for quality of life in Costa Rican university-retirees. Volunteers were 119 adults (60 female and 59 male) ages from 52 to 80 years old. Age, gender, education, job position, retirement date, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI) were considered predictor variables. The modified SF-36 questionnaire was used to measure quality of life. Multiple linear regression analyses were calculated to determine predictors for quality of life. Significant associations were found between gender and the dimensions of Health and Mental Vitality (R2 = 0.039, p = 0.018), Emotional Role (R2 = 0.045, p = 0.012), and Corporal Pain and Physical Vitality (R2 = 0.039, p = 0.018). BMI and age were significantly related to Physical Function Related to Walking (R2 = 0.105, p = 0.011), and only BMI was significantly associated with Physical Function Related to Daily Activities (R2 = 0.027, p = 0.040). In conclusion, gender, age and BMI were significant predictors for quality of life in university-retirees.