Stressful events, depressive symptoms, and frailty associated to older adults' survival and mortality.

ABSTRACT

This study analyzed factors associated with survival and mortality risk of community-dwelling older adults, considering the intensity of stressful life events, depressive symptoms, insomnia, frailty, multimorbidity, and sociodemographic factors. This is a longitudinal study on survival of older adults interviewed between 2008-2009, with follow-up after 8 years. Survival and mortality risks were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier curve, Log Rank test, and Cox proportional-hazards model (p < 0.05). Stressful events affecting older adults' children or grandchildren were associated with higher mortality risk; depressive symptoms and frailty were associated with lower survival. Comprehensive care for older adults must involve events regarding their family relationships, especially those affecting their progeny, due to the impact they can have on older adults' survival, besides evaluating depressive symptoms and frailty.