[Quality of life perceived by the elderly. Results of the "Memory in movement" program which provide cognitive stimulation using motricity]

Introduction: This article presents the results of evaluation of health related quality of life in a group of elderly people who were engaged in the program of cognitive stimulation «Memory in movement».

Materials and methods: A content analysis was conducted to determine the type of experience that the subjects stated in the context of an interview. The statements were classified into categories created ad hoc. The sample consisted of 32 participants with a mean age of 69.92±4.98years. The software QSR NVivo-8 was used for data processing.

Results: The results show that the 48% of the elderly perceive some improvements in their memorisation abilities, 47% in attention and concentration, and 10% in the satisfaction with life after being in the program. They are especially worried about the loss of memory -stated by the 65.62%- and they came to the cognitive stimulation program with the aim of improving this capacity. The feelings that participants reported having experienced during the program have to do with fun, vitality and energy.

Conclusions: Programs on cognitive stimulation that incorporate some physical activities, together with a clear playful and social component, improve the psychic and social capacities and they open an important line of intervention due to their good acceptance by the elderly.