FACTOR ANALYSIS OF QUALITY OF LIFE INDICATORS AMONG OLDER INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF HEALTH-ENHANCING RECREATIONAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Abstract

The ongoing military conflict and forced displacement have significantly impacted the quality of life (QoL) of older individuals. This study aims to analyze the internal structure of QoL indicators among older internally displaced persons (IDPs) and substantiate the role of physical activity in their rehabilitation. Methods. A sample of 152 older IDPs (aged 60+) was assessed using the SF-36 Health Survey. Statistical analysis included exploratory factor analysis (Principal Component Analysis with Varimax rotation), with preliminary validation via KMO (0.727) and Bartlett's tests (p < 0.001). Results. The study identified moderate QoL levels (45.6–46.3 points), with the lowest scores in Role-Physical (41.1) and Role-Emotional (42.3) domains. A two-factor model was established, explaining 33.9% of the total variance. Factor 1 ("Role and Physical Limitations") revealed a strong coupling between physical pain and emotional functioning. Factor 2 ("Socio-Emotional Resource") demonstrated that vitality is inextricably linked to social integration. Notably, Mental Health (0.971) and Physical Functioning (0.890) exhibited exceptionally high uniqueness, suggesting a "resource conservation mode" and functional decoupling under chronic stress. Conclusions. The findings confirm that war and displacement impose a "double burden" on older IDPs, simplifying their QoL structure to basic survival dimensions. Improving QoL requires comprehensive health-improving recreational physical activity (HRPA) programs. An effective strategy must integrate moderate aerobic exercise (e.g., Nordic walking) with "mental fitness" modalities (yoga, Pilates) to simultaneously address physical limitations and bolster psycho-emotional resilience through group-based socialization.