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Background: Aging is a gradual process characterized by damage to the physiological functions that frequently lead to dependence in the older adults of 60 years or older. We hypothesize significant differences in mental and physical capacity between fully independent older adults and slight to moderate dependent older adults. Method: A cross-sectional analysis of 322 older adults of 60 years or more, with a Barthel Index equal to or higher than 60, who attended day centers during August 2018 in Santiago-Chile was used. Quality of life, physical ability, cognitive capacity, and symptoms of depression of fully independent with slight to moderate dependent older adults are compared.Results: A higher proportion of older adults with complete independence have higher levels of quality of life and mobility. Even a small reduction in independence has a significant reduction in quality of life. An increase from a 60-90 score to a 91-99 score in the Barthel Index rises 42% [CI95% 18-66] the EQ-5D score, this difference increases to 49% [CI95% 29-70] for full independence. Climbing stairs and incontinence in urination are the two main activities related to having a lower independence level (lower than 100 Barthel Index score). Ambulation and climbing stairs are the two main activities related with lower than the cutoff levels of normality for quality of life (EQ5D) and physical condition (TUG). Finally, urine and bowel incontinence, and lower levels of ambulation are the main activities related with symptoms of depression (Yesavage score).Conclusion: There were significant differences in health-related measures among different levels of independent older adults. Understanding the potential causes of these differences could help prioritize the focus of multidimensional programs on health and prevention with the aim of prolonging older adults’ state of independence and improving their quality of life.

Effectiveness of a multidimensional therapeutic program for aged people attending senior centersBackground: It is imperative to have effective programs to improve or maintain the health of aged people. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention based on a multidimensional program in Senior centers in Chile five months after its implementation, in the domains of physical and mental health, functionality and quality of life in aged people. Material and Methods: Sixty participants older than 60 years completed a multidimensional program for one month that included interventions of guided physical exercises, in addition to educational and social activities. They were evaluated at baseline and one and five months after the intervention. Results: After the first and fifth months, significant improvements were observed in the five times sit to stand test (5TSTS) and gait speed (WST), in addition, significant improvements were observed in literacy measured by the Short Assessment of Health Literacy for Spanish-speaking Adults (SAHLSA). At the fifth month, slight improvements were observed in the Yesavage and short Falls efficacy scales, Barthel index, Unipodal Station and EuroQol five-dimensional quality of life tests. Conclusions: A multidimensional program for aged people lasting one month, improved the physical health dimension and literacy by the fifth month of evaluation.