Health Status of the Elderly in Life Centers

Abstract

Objective: To identify the sociodemographic and health characteristics of the elderly in the Life Center programs in four municipalities of the department of Meta, Colombia. Materials and Methods: Descriptive study with quantitative variables, non-probabilistic design with selection of units by discretionary sampling, in a sample of 819 older adults. A cognitive evaluation was carried out, along with depression scale, basic activities of daily living, evaluation of gait and balance, index for the instrumental activity of daily living, and comorbidity index. Results: The multiple correspondence analysis indicates independent men with absence of non-depressive comorbidity and null risk of falls. In turn, women (profile: without studies, widowed) do have comorbidity, cognitive impairment, dependence, and greater fall risk. Conclusions: It is fundamental to work on strengthening the formation of professionals, community agents, caregivers of older adults, as well as in the development of programs for health promotion that foster active aging.