Salud, satisfacción con la vida y bienestar personal de pescadores adultos mayores en Chile

Abstract

Introduction

It is necessary to understand the reality of the aging population in different communities, such as the older adult artisan fishermen in Chile. The objective is to determine the health-related quality of life, life satisfaction, and personal well-being of older adult fishermen in the communities of La Serena, La Higuera, and Coquimbo.

Materials and methods

Cross-sectional descriptive study involving 101 artisan fishermen, both men and women, engaged in fishing activities as underwater gatherers, shore collectors, and artisan fishermen. For health-related quality of life, the EuroQol-5D (EQ5D3L) survey was administered, including the visual analogue scale EQ-VAS. For life satisfaction, the Diener scale was applied, and a questionnaire that includes FRAIL-related questions was used to gather sociodemographic data.

Results

Older artisanal fishers rated their life satisfaction as “very satisfied”, and regarding health, it depends on physical mobility and pain. Active fishers have less frailty, fewer mobility problems, better self-reported health status, and greater life satisfaction.

Conclusion

Older artisanal fishers have a positive outlook on their lives, valued according to their ability to perform their activities, despite adverse working conditions. They are recognized by their communities, which allows for their inclusion.