Abstract

Social participation (SP) has been identified as a protective factor for healthy aging. The aim of this study was to examine characteristics associated with social participation in elderly women. They were allocated 125 older women (aged ≥ 60 years) from Requinoa, Chile into two groups according to the level of SP: socially active (SA) and socially non-active (SNA). Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire, handgrip strength, unipedal stance test, timed up and go test, mini-mental state examination, age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index, and educational level were assessed. The results indicated that SA women presented lower disability (P<0.001) and better dynamic balance and muscle strength than their SNA peers (P< 0.03 for all). Women who were SA presented less comorbidities (P=0.002) and higher education (P=0.03) compared to SNA. In conclusion, elderly women who are socially active have better functionality, health status and higher educational level than socially non-active.