Ealth, life satisfaction, and personal well-being of elderly fishermen in Chile

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.