Self-perceived wellness and level of autonomy of the elderly and their relationship their place of residence
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How to quote
Fernández-Méndez R, Peñas Maldonado M, Díaz Piedra C. Bienestar autopercibido y nivel de autonomía de las personas mayores. Metas de Enferm dic 2007/ene 2008; 10(10): 65-71
Authors
1Rocío Fernández Méndez , 2Manuel Peñas Maldonado , 3Carolina Díaz Piedra
Position
1Diplomada Universitaria en Enfermería.2Directos de La Escuela Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud. Departamento de Enfermería. Universidad de Granada.3Licenciada en Psicología. Master Oficial en Diseños de Investigación y Aplicaciones en Psicología y Salud. Docente-Investigador en el Departamento de Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamiento Psicológico de la Universidad de Granada.
Contact address
Manuel Peñas Maldonado. Universidad de Granada. Tlfn: 958 243 497; 958 248 551.
Abstract
Objective: to describe the self-perceived wellness of people over 65 years when they live in their homes or when they live in geriatric homes; taking into account their age, sex, level of autonomy and mobility and the presence of family or carers vs living-alone in these patients.
Material and method: a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on 128 elderly individuals of both sexes (over the age of 65) residing in Granada (64 institutionalised and 64 living at their homes). After screening for cognitive deterioration, the Well Being Index and Barthel’s Index modified by Granger et al were administered.
Results: mean wellness levels and mean autonomy indexes were respectively: 18,60 (over 25) and 91,73 (over100) in institutionalised men; 14,65 y 77,80 in institutionalised women, 20,56 and 91,39 in men with no Home Care (provided by community nurse), 20,36 and 94,36 in women without Home care (provided by community nurse), 19,63 and 70,75 in men with Home care (provided by community nurse), 15,39 and 69 in women with Home care (provided by community nurse). Men perceive to have an elevated level of wellness more frequently than women. Although being alone and loneliness is more frequent in women, age, the place of residence and the level of autonomy is what appears to affect these women the most. The preferred place of residence is nearly in all cases their own home.
Conclusions: in very general lines, it could be said that, in the individuals of this study, the low levels of self-perceived wellness are usually directly related both with advanced age and with low levels of self-autonomy. Men perceive an elevated level of wellness more frequently than women, and their own home appears to be the most beneficial place of residence.
Keywords:
old age; elderlies; wellness; dependence; autonomy; quality of life; residences; domicile; Well Being IndexBarthel’s index
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