Population aging is a global phenomenon due to declining birth rates and increased life expectancy. This demographic shift poses a challenge to society, requiring adaptation of policies, economies, and healthcare systems to safeguard the well-being of older individuals. Health inequalities, influenced by social determinants such as education, economic status, and place of residence, impact this population group, with notable differences between men and women. Several studies have demonstrated that social determinants of health (SDH) affect the quality of life (QoL) of older individuals, especially women. In general, women report lower quality of life indicators, lower educational levels, and poorer health compared to men. This study aims to examine how social determinants of health can influence the quality of life of the population aged 50 or older in different European countries, from a sex perspective, through a longitudinal approach. The main SDHs associated with poorer QoL were female sex advanced age, economic hardship, educational level, and geographic location within Europe. Depression in women and men in Southern Europe was associated with a decrease in QoL scores.

(1) Background: This research presents the CUCEQS© (Spanish acronym for Questionnaire of Perioperative Nursing Safety Competencies), which evaluates the perception of perioperative nurses about their competencies related to surgical patient safety. The aim of the present study was to design, validate, and analyze the psychometric properties of the CUCEQS©. (2) Methods: We devised an instrumental, quantitative, and descriptive study divided into two phases: in the first, the questionnaire was designed through a Delphi method developed by perioperative nurses and experts in patient safety. In the second, the reliability, validity, and internal structure of the tool were evaluated. (3) Results: In the first phase, the items kept were those that obtained a mean equal to or higher than four out of five in the expert consensus, and a Content Validity Index higher than 0.78. In the second phase, at the global level, a Stratified Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.992 was obtained, and for each competency, Cronbach’s Alpha values between 0.81 and 0.97 were found. A first-order confirmatory factor analysis of the 17 subscales (RMSEA 0.028, (IC 90% = 0.026–0.029) and its observed measures was performed for the 164 items, as well as a second-order analysis of the four competencies (RMSEA = 0.034, (IC90% = 0.033–0.035). (4) Conclusions: The questionnaire is a valid tool for measuring the perceived level of competency by the perioperative nurses in surgical patient safety. This is the first questionnaire developed for this purpose, and the results obtained will facilitate the identification of areas to be improved by health professionals in patient safety

Introduction: The global aging population poses challenges for society such as health inequalities among older persons and between genders. Objectives: To determine how Social Determinants of Health (SDH) influence the quality of life (QoL) of individuals over 50 years old in various European countries, taking a gender perspective in a longitudinal study. Materials and methods: Sample of 11,493 individuals from 13 European countries from Waves 5 (2013), 6 (2015), and 7 (2017) of the SHARE study. Instruments: CASP-12 (QoL), EURO-D (depression), SDH: gender, age, educational level, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, place of residence, and European region. Sociodemographic and clinical variables. Statistical analysis: Bivariate and multivariate mixed linear models. Results: The bivariate analysis showed higher economic hardship and lower education in women compared to men. The CASP-12 score was higher in men than in women. In the multivariate analysis, the variables associated with lower QoL scores among men and women from Wave 5 to Wave 7 were: (β:-0.196, 95% CI: -0.345; -0.047) vs (β:0.038, 95% CI: -0.122; 0.197); economic hardship; and the European region between South and North (β: 2.709, 95% CI: 2.403; 3.015) vs men (β: 2.224, 95% CI: 1.896; 2.551). Conclusions: The main SDH associated with poorer QoL were female gender, advanced age, economic hardship, educational level, and geographic location within Europe. Depression in women and in Southern Europe were associated with a decrease in QoL scores.

Background : Understanding determinants of quality of life (QoL) in older adults is crucial in aging societies. Intrinsic capacity (IC), combining physical and mental capacities, may influence QoL changes, but evidence on specific IC domains and QoL is limited. This study examines associations between IC domains and two-year QoL changes in older Europeans, focusing on sex and regional differences. This study integrates factor and network analytical approaches to examine IC as a multidimensional system. Methods : Data from 11,493 adults aged ≥50 from 13 European countries in SHARE Waves 5 and 6 (2013–2015) were analyzed. IC was operationalized across five domains: mobility, cognition, psychological well-being, sensory function, and vitality. Exploratory factor analysis validated IC’s multidimensional structure. Network analysis assessed domain interrelations and links to QoL (CASP-12). Sex and regional differences were explored via stratified analyses and ANOVA. Results : IC domains formed a coherent multidimensional construct. Psychological well-being and mobility showed the strongest associations with QoL. Depressive symptoms and fatigue correlated negatively with CASP-12 (r = −0.284 and −0.324, p < 0.001). Cognitive and mobility domains had weaker but significant links. Over two years, modest IC declines paralleled QoL changes. Women and individuals in Southern and Eastern Europe exhibited greater IC deficits and lower QoL. Conclusions : Intrinsic capacity significantly influences short-term QoL changes in older Europeans. Psychological and mobility domains are key targets for interventions. Addressing sex and regional disparities in IC may improve well-being and reduce inequalities in aging populations.

Introduction This study explores the relationship between the domains of intrinsic capacity and quality of life in older adults in Europe, with particular focus on sex and regional differences. It confirms that intrinsic capacity is a multidimensional construct involving interconnected components such as mobility, cognitive function, mental health, and general health. Methods An exploratory factor analysis was conducted using data from the SHARE study (Waves 5-6), a longitudinal multinational project. The analysis focused on 11,493 older adults aged 50 and above, residing in 13 European countries. Sociodemographic, health, and socio-economic factors were considered, including variables like mobility difficulties, cognitive performance, depressive symptoms, and self-reported health. The study used harmonized surveys and representative probabilistic sampling to ensure comparability across countries. Results The results show significant differences between men and women, with women experiencing greater deterioration in key domains such as cognition, mobility, and mental health. Women exhibited higher levels of cognitive decline, which is linked to longer life expectancy and greater exposure to chronic diseases. Social determinants, such as education level and economic status, were found to have a significant impact on QoL and intrinsic capacity, with women in socially vulnerable situations showing higher rates of mental health deterioration, chronic diseases, and economic decline. Regional differences also played a role, with notable variations in health outcomes across european regions. Conclusion Mental health, mobility, and cognition are key determinants of intrinsic capacity and quality of life in older adults. This study highlights the importance of multidimensional approaches and interventions tailored to sex and regional differences to promote healthy aging.

Background Understanding determinants of quality of life (QoL) in older adults is crucial in aging societies. Intrinsic capacity (IC), combining physical and mental capacities, may be associated with changes in QoL, but evidence on specific IC domains and QoL is limited. The primary objective of this study was to examine the relationship between intrinsic capacity domains and changes in quality of life over a 2-year period among older Europeans, with particular attention to sex and regional differences. Methods Data from 11,493 adults aged ≥ 50 from 13 European countries in SHARE Waves 5 and 6 (2013–2015) were analyzed. IC was operationalized across five domains: mobility, cognition, psychological well-being, sensory function, and vitality. Exploratory factor analysis validated IC’s multidimensional structure. Network analysis assessed domain interrelations and links to QoL (CASP-12). Sex and regional differences were explored via stratified analyses and ANOVA. Results IC domains formed a coherent multidimensional construct. Psychological well-being and mobility showed relatively stronger associations with QoL than the remaining intrinsic capacity domains. Depressive symptoms and fatigue correlated negatively with CASP-12 (r = − 0.284 and − 0.324, p < 0.001). Cognitive and mobility domains had weaker but significant links. Over 2 years, modest IC declines paralleled QoL changes. Women and individuals in Southern and Eastern Europe exhibited greater IC deficits and lower QoL. Conclusions Intrinsic capacity was significantly associated with short-term changes in QoL among older Europeans. Psychological and mobility domains are key targets for interventions. Addressing sex and regional disparities in IC may improve well-being and reduce inequalities in aging populations.