Index of functional capacity, anxiety and depression in a sample of older adults from Santa Clara

The objective of the present study was to characterize functional capacity, anxiety and depression in a group of older adults in the municipality of Santa Clara. From an intentional sampling and the determination of criteria for the conformation of the sample, this was formed by 69 elders belonging to the Home of Elders 1 "Marta Abreu", the House of Grandparents 2 "Camilo Cienfuegos", seniors who attend the University of the Elderly in Santa Clara and senior citizens belonging to the Family Medical Office 19. The sample presents homogeneous characteristics, there being a balance between the number of men and women. The evaluation was carried out, at first, by the application of the Barthel Index, the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Zung Anxiety Self-Assessment Scale. Subsequently semi-structured interviews were used for the qualitative stage of the process, which allowed deepening the indicators of anxiety and depression in part of the sample. The main results offered by the study were that in the majority of the subjects in the sample there is a presence of functional independence. Also, the great part of the sample selection does not present high rates of anxiety or depression due to factors such as the existence of support networks and social interaction. A relationship between female sex and higher rates of anxiety and depression was evidenced. A relationship was also observed between the nonexistence of support networks and functional independence, as well as the reduction of anxious and depressive indices when the elderly has adequate family interaction.