Impacts of older adults’ participation in social and community centers on quality of life

An integrative review

Authors

  • Risomar Da Silva Vieira Valdemar Clímaco Vieira e Cosma Francisca da Silva Vieira
  • Josielma da Silva Fernandes Departamento de Fisioterapia. Universidade Estadual da Paraíba. Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6674-991X
  • Marcia de Araújo Corcino Fernandes Departamento de Fisioterapia. Universidade Federal da Paraíba. João Pessoa , Paraíba, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2838-7898
  • Regimênia Maria Braga de Carvalho Departamento de Fisioterapia. Universidade Estadual da Paraíba. Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8943-8986

Keywords:

Elderly Person, Senior Center, Quality of Life.

Abstract

Abstract – Introduction: Given the increase in the elderly population, demands arise to promote a better quality of life. Thus, Senior Citizen Community Centers (CCI) were implemented to strengthen the social network of older adults. This study has the following guiding question: What are the impacts of participation in CCI on the quality of life of older adults? The objective is to verify the scientific evidence on the physical, psychological, and social effects of participation in CCI on the quality of life of older adults. Methodology: Three databases were used: Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), PubMed, and SciELO. The search terms used were: older adult, elderly, Senior Citizen Community Centers, and quality of life. Inclusion criteria were: original articles available in full version that address older adults (≥60 years) participating in community centers, that assess QoL as an outcome using instruments, and studies published between 2015 and 2025. Results and conclusions: Of the 5 selected articles, 501 older adults participated. Most of them were female. Regarding age range, the majority were between 75 and 80 years old. The most frequently used QoL assessment instrument was the WHOQOL-BREF, followed by the WHOQOL-OLD. Three studies classified the QoL of older adults as "good" or "very good." And all presented data on the QoL domains. This review indicated that the quality of life of these participants is, in general, classified as good.

 

Author Biographies

Josielma da Silva Fernandes, Departamento de Fisioterapia. Universidade Estadual da Paraíba. Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brasil.

Holds a degree in Physiotherapy from the University Center of João Pessoa – UNIPÊ (2009), a Master's degree in Public Health – UEPB (2020), a Specialization in Family Health with emphasis on Health Care Pathways – UFPB (2012), a Specialization in Gerontology and Functionality – UEPB (2024), and a Specialization in Physiotherapy in Orthopedics and Traumatology – Certro (2024). Has a permanent position with the Municipality of Riachão-PB, working in Primary Health Care (2010).

Marcia de Araújo Corcino Fernandes, Departamento de Fisioterapia. Universidade Federal da Paraíba. João Pessoa , Paraíba, Brasil.

She holds a degree in physiotherapy from Faculdade Maurício de Nassau (2018), a postgraduate degree in Public Health (2019), and a Master's degree in Physiotherapy from UFPB (2023). She conducts research in the area of ​​assessment and physiotherapeutic intervention processes in public health, with an emphasis on human aging.

Regimênia Maria Braga de Carvalho, Departamento de Fisioterapia. Universidade Estadual da Paraíba. Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brasil.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from the Regional University of the Northeast (1985), a Master's degree in Education Sciences from the Lusófona University of Humanities and Technology (2007), and a PhD in Human Movement Sciences from the Autonomous University of Asunción (2011). She works as a Professor at the State University of Paraíba, teaching in the Bachelor's and Licentiate degree programs in Physical Education, with the curricular components: Adventure body practices in the school environment and dance. She has taught classes in the following areas: fundamentals of gym gymnastics, supervised internship, games and play, psychomotor skills, motor development and motor learning, leisure and recreation, physical activity in daily work, and quality of life and well-being at work. She is also a Professor at the University of the Third Age - UAMA (an extension project of UEPB). She worked as a collaborating PhD Professor in the Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education at Paulista University, Campina Grande-PB campus, as well as being a PhD Professor at UNIFACISA in the Physical Education course. She is also a consultant for the PQV program for employees of the FIEP-PB SYSTEM and a consultant for UNIMED-CG in the area of ​​Quality of Life and Health Promotion for the elderly. She also taught in the Pedagogy course at the State University of Paraíba, teaching the following curricular components: psychomotricity and games and recreation. She worked as a professor in the specialization course in Gerontology and Functionalities at the State University of Paraíba. She was a researcher in the Basic Education Training Program, funded by CAPES in partnership with UEPB. She was a collaborating coordinator of the Quality of Life programs of SESI/PB Industries. She worked as a project manager for innovation projects in the industry in partnership with SESI/CNPq, focusing mainly on the following themes: industry, leisure, quality of life, healthy lifestyle, physical activity, and longevity.

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Published

2026-07-30

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): Proceedings of Gerontology [7th Portuguese Congress on Assessment and Intervention in Social Gerontology]

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Risomar Da Silva Vieira, Josielma da Silva Fernandes, Marcia de Araújo Corcino Fernandes, Regimênia Maria Braga de Carvalho

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