Evaluación geriátrica integral del adulto mayor / Cross sectional geriatric assessment of Mexican older people

ABSTRACT

Background: Due to the progressive aging of our population, it is imperative to evaluate the life conditions and health limitations of older people. Aim: To report the results of an integral geriatric evaluation of Mexican older people. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional assessment of 324 older subjects of a median age of 70 years (57 percent females) beneficiaries of the Mexican Institute of Social Security of the city of Querétaro. Social, demographic, medical, functional and cognitive variables were evaluated. Results: Of the studied subjects, 37 percent were illiterate, 61 percent lived with a partner and 47 percent were dedicated to household activities. Thirty three percent had visual impairment, 54 percent had hearing impairment, 39 percent had urinary incontinence, 26 percent reported falls in the last six months, 34 percent had nutritional problems, 38 percent were functionally dependent, 49 percent had sleeping problems, 25 percent had cognitive impairment and 25 percent had depression. Conclusions: The general health outlook of this population is encouraging, considering that more than half are not functionally impaired.