Abstract
AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of sleep disorders and the value of body mass index in seniors, taking into account their quality of aging and participation in classes at Universities of the Third Age (UTAs). METHODS: The study involved 631 (100%) seniors from the Silesian Voivodeship, aged 60 to 96 years (𝑥̅ = 70.28 ± 6.09 years). An original survey questionnaire was used, supplemented by the Successful Aging Scale and the Athens Insomnia Scale questionnaires. RESULTS: The median of successful aging index (SAI) points obtained by UTAs "+" seniors was 11.71, while the median of SAI points obtained by UTAs "-" seniors was 11.18. Sleep disorders were more common in women than in men as well as among people aged 71-80 years compared to other groups. There were statistically significant weak negative correlations between the points obtained in Successful Aging Scale questionaire domains and the number of points in the Athens Insomnia Scale as well as body mass index value. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of sleep disorders and abnormally increased body weight were associated with a deterioration in the quality of aging in the studied seniors. Seniors participating in UTAs activities had a better quality of aging than people who denied participating in the mentioned activity. Actions should be constantly taken to improve the quality of the aging process of seniors, including providing them with access to contacts with other people, treating sleep disorders and educating them on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a proper body weight. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 206-212.