Analysis of the Quality of Life of the Pensioners in the Jiu Valley Romania – Results Obtained Through Focus-Group Method

Abstract

In the present social - economic conditions of our country, the problem of objective analysis and research of the population’s everyday social life, of its wellbeing, of the living standard and lifestyle, of the quality of life as a whole, becomes more and more present and significant. The level of pensions in Romania has been a favourite topic of debate and analysis since 1990 until now. Aging and reducing the number of jobs produce structural changes in socio-economic terms over the active and inactive population. The growing number of pensioners, has led to the inability to create a social system for older people able to provide a decent income for them. The phenomenon requires concrete and concerted social action to influence developments in the sense of autonomy and welfare of life of elderly people, for a healthy aging and to ensure a good quality of life. Focus group interview is an interview the group focuses on a specific theme, strictly defined, which is led by a moderator and belongs to the category of qualitative techniques for data collection for the analysis of perceptions, motivations, feelings, needs and opinions of the people. This technique is a planned panel discussion organized to obtain perceptions related to an area of interest strictly delineated, deployed in a permissive environment; the discussion is often relaxed and enjoyable for the participants who share their ideas and perceptions. Research conducted with the help of the art focus group highlights the strengths and critical elements in analysis of the quality of life of the pensioners in the Jiu Valley (Hunedoara County, Romania).