An investigation into the health related quality of life (HRQoL) of older women living in nursing homes in Iran with particular reference to physical activity

The purpose of the present study was to investigate health related quality of life (HRQoL) of older women living in nursing homes in Iran with particular reference to physical activity. One hundred and eighty-six elderly women in nursing/care homes in Shiraz (Southern Iran), volunteered to participate in the present study. Information was collected via the International Physical Activity Standard Questionnaire and SF36 quality of life questionnaires. The data was analyzed, for Spearman correlation test (rs), Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (α = 0.05) using SPSS v 22. There was a significant correlation between the amount of physical activity and HRQoL in elderly women (rs = 0.44; p = 0.001). Older women reporting greater levels of physical activity had higher values for HRQoL. Appropriate programs to improve physical activity and enhance HRQoL should be introduced into care homes for the elderly.