Abstract

FIGUEREDO FERRER, Norma; ARCIAS MADERA, Raisa C  and  DIAZ PITA, Gisela. Caracterización del adulto mayor en la comunidad. Rev Cubana Enfermer [online]. 2003, vol.19, n.3, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-2961.

A retrospective descriptive study was performed from July to December 2000, which covered all the patients aged over 60 years seen at the doctor´s office No.78 of "Hermanos Cruz" teaching community polyclinics in Pinar del Río province. The objective was to determine some characteristics of the aging process in these patients. The main variables taken into account were age, sex, occupation, basic incomes, cohabitation, level of independence, cognitive deterioration and attitude towards aging. Data were gathered in all cases from their medical family histories. For a better understanding, results were reflected in tables and the most important were the following: the highest percentage of patients aged 60 to 64 years, were retired and therefore received social security benefits. Males were predominant. Most of them lived together with their families whose functioning was adequate. It was confirmed that the elderly aged 85 years and over presented with cognitive deterioration in a greater or lesser extent, but their attitude towards aging was positive.

Keywords : AGED; COMMUNITY MEDICINE; PHYSICIANS; FAMILY; AGING; COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE; GERIATRICS.