Abstract

MANRIQUE-ESPINOZA, Betty et al. Health conditions and functional status of older adults in Mexico. Salud pública Méx [online]. 2013, vol.55, suppl.2, pp.S323-S331. ISSN 0036-3634.

Objective. To describe the health conditions and functional status of Mexicans older adults. Materials and methods. Descriptive study with a sample of 8 874 adults aged 60 and over, based on a nationally representative study. We analyzed major indicators associated with health conditions and functional status, obtaining prevalence and statistical tests of differences in proportions. Results. The main conditions of this population are: hypertension (40%), diabetes (24%) and hypercholesterolemia (20%). For mental health indicators, 17.6% had depressive symptoms, 7.3% cognitive decline, and 7.9% dementia. For functional status, 26.9% reported difficulty in daily activities and 24.6% in instrumental activities. Conclusions. It is required the implementation of a new model of care to address the increasing prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases in old age, as well as the increased disability and consequent dependence resulting from them.

Keywords : aged; health status; functioning; Mexico.

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