Self-perceived quality of life, health, and physical activity among older adults: the roles of marital status and residence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Married or partnered older adults reported significantly higher levels of physical activity than single, divorced, or widowed respondents.

• Cross-sectional study with 962 participants aged 65 and older
• Survey conducted between March 2020 and May 2023 during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Physical activity was measured using the Croatian short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire
• Difference was statistically significant at P<0.001

Married or partnered older adults reported better physical and mental health than single, divorced, or widowed respondents.

• Health status was measured using the Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36)
• Participants were categorized into four marital status groups: married/living with a partner, single, divorced, and widowed
• Difference was statistically significant at P<0.001
• Sample consisted of 962 participants aged 65 and older

Married or partnered older adults reported greater life satisfaction than single, divorced, or widowed respondents.

• Quality of life was measured using the Personal Well-being Index
• Difference was statistically significant at P<0.001
• Respondents were surveyed during the COVID-19 pandemic between March 2020 and May 2023

Community-dwelling older adults scored significantly higher on most health and quality-of-life indicators than nursing home residents.

• Respondents were categorized by place of residence: own home versus nursing home
• The exception to this pattern was perceived future security, on which nursing home residents did not score significantly lower than community-dwelling respondents
• Standardized instruments were used including SF-36, Personal Well-being Index, and the Croatian short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire

Nursing home residents did not score significantly differently from community-dwelling older adults on perceived future security.

• This finding was an exception to the general pattern of community-dwelling respondents scoring higher on health and quality-of-life indicators
• Perceived future security was measured as part of the Personal Well-being Index
• The finding may reflect that nursing home residence provides a sense of security regarding future care needs