Descrição
The increase in life expectancy (LE) observed in Western societies, has resulted in a steep rise of older
population. This stresses the importance of the research on aging, to better adequate health and social
care organization and improve the quality of life (QoL). The aim of the EPEPP-1 (abbreviated from the
Portuguese name: Estudo do Perfil de Envelhecimento da Populac¸a˜o Portuguesa) study was to
characterize the socio-demographic components of the elderly Portuguese population in order to
disclose factors that could play a role in the aging process and in the elderly QoL. This observational
descriptive study, was performed in 2672 individuals older than 54 years taking into account gender and
the residence area (rural vs. urban). A questionnaire about social network (marital status, living alone,
the hours spent alone, confidents), and social status (education, occupation) was applied. Social network
score revealed significant age and gender trends,women and older people performing worst, but with no
difference according to residence area. Almost a third was unmarried and spent eight or more hours per
day alone, and a fifth lived alone. Social status revealed that being older female and resident in a rural
area quoted worst in the prevalence of illiteracy and undifferentiated occupation. The authors concluded
that social isolation, illiteracy and undifferentiated occupation are prevalent in Portuguese older
population. Identification of further determinants of isolation, adjustment of procedures to be included
in social networks and development of actions directed to education are important fields of intervention
influencing the elderly QoL.
; Rodrigues, Vítor 
