Participatory Governance and Quality of Life in Older Adults: A Proposed Model

Abstract

This study analyzes the relationship between participatory governance and the quality of life of older adults in a district of Chiclayo and proposes a communitybased governance model to strengthen active and healthy aging. A quantitative, nonexperimental, descriptive–explanatory and purposeful design was employed with a sample of 500 older adults selected through probabilistic sampling. Two validated instruments were applied: a participatory governance questionnaire (30 items, α=0.81) and the WHOQOLBREF (26 items, α=0.895). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS 26.Findings reveal a critical deficit in participatory governance: 97.8% scored at a low level, with the highest gaps in rights protection (100%), healthy aging (84.2%), and social participation (100%). Despite this, 60% reported a high quality of life and 33.2% a normal level, although key dimensions such as physical health (67.4% normal) and environment (72.2% normal) showed vulnerability. Alarmingly, 98% of participants were unaware of the Older Adult Law, reflecting deep institutional and communicative failures.The coexistence of acceptable quality of life with deficient governance is unsustainable in the long term, given the high prevalence of chronic illness and the accelerated demographic aging. Based on the findings, the “AgeFriendly Community of the Golden Age” model is proposed. It articulates local government, public–private institutions, and civil society through intersectoral alliances to promote rights protection, healthy aging, and meaningful participation. Strengthening participatory governance is necessary to ensure sustainable wellbeing and empower older adults as active community actors.