Reliability and Validity Assessment of the Health-Related Quality of Life Scale Developed for Active Older Adults

INTRODUCTION You are invited to take part in this academic study because you are 65 years or older and live independently in the community.

Before participating, please read the following information carefully to understand the study's procedures. After reading, if you agree to join, you will be asked to complete some questionnaires and simple mobility tests.

BACKGROUND Programs that promote health, physical activity, social interaction, and mental stimulation are becoming more important for older adults. However, there is no clear way to measure their effectiveness.

Researchers from McGill, Exeter, Erasmus, and UT Health San Antonio universities are working together to better understand active aging. In earlier studies, over 200 people were interviewed to learn how older adults perceive active living. This study now aims to examine the physical and psychological functions associated with active living.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This project aims to test the reliability of the HRQL-OPAL scale and assess the level of physical and psychological function related to active aging.

STUDY PROCEDURES This research is conducted under the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Marmara University.

If you agree to participate:

You will first complete questionnaires (approx. 20 minutes).

Then, you will perform mobility tests (approx. 20 minutes) such as walking and changing positions. A small sensor will be placed on your shoe to measure your steps and movements.

You will not be asked to do anything unsafe or difficult, like jumping or standing on one leg.

If you agree, you may be asked to complete the HRQL-OPAL scale again two weeks later.

DURATION Total time for the first session is about 40 minutes. A second session, if agreed, will take about 20 minutes after two weeks.

BENEFITS You may not receive direct personal benefit, but the results may help improve scientific knowledge and support better ways to measure quality of life in older adults.

RISKS There are no known risks. Some questions may be sensitive, but you do not have to answer any that make you uncomfortable. All tests are widely used and supervised by trained professionals.

VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION AND WITHDRAWAL Your participation is voluntary. You may withdraw at any time without providing a reason and without any impact on your medical care.

CONFIDENTIALITY All collected data will be coded and stored securely without using your name. Only the research team will access this information.

Results may be shared in scientific reports, but your identity will remain confidential. Data will be stored for seven years by the lead researcher.

ETHICAL REVIEW This study has been reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Marmara University Faculty of Medicine.

STUDY TITLE "Reliability and Validity Study of the Health-Related Quality of Life Scale Developed for Active Older Adults"

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS At least 92 participants who meet the criteria are required for the study.

PARTICIPANT STATEMENT I, the undersigned, confirm that I have received detailed information about this study from Physiotherapist Muhammed Furkan ORUÇ, and I have been invited to participate as a volunteer.

I understand that all personal information will remain confidential, and the study will not affect my medical care. I am aware that I can withdraw at any time.

If any health problems occur during the study, I can contact Fzt. Muhammed Furkan ORUÇ at 0534 421 52 94 or reach the institution at Küçük Çamlıca Mah. Çilehane Yolu Cad. No:51, 34696, Üsküdar/İstanbul, Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Kerim-Nilüfer Gökay Nursing Home Elderly Care and Rehabilitation Center.

I voluntarily agree to participate in this research and will receive a signed copy of this form.