BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 affects all age groups, but higher mortality rates are recorded in older people, men and with comorbidities, mainly hypertension, diabetes and obesity. Aim: To describe the main clinical characteristics, evolution and prognostic factors for death in older patients hospitalized for COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 128 patients aged 73 years, 66% men, hospitalized at a clinical hospital, with a diagnosis of COVID-19, admitted from May 1 to August 1, 2020. Data were collected from the clinical records, a description of the study population was made, and a univariate analysis and logistic regression were performed. Results: Seventy-two percent of patients had two or more comorbidities, mainly arterial hypertension in 66%, diabetes mellitus in 34% and cardiovascular disease in 19%. Forty-one percent were admitted to intensive care and 31% were connected to mechanical ventilation. In-hospital mortality was 26.6%. A multivariate analysis was performed in two blocks, finding in the first that arterial hypertension and older age significantly predict mortality. However, when previous institutionalization and immuno-suppression were included as variables in the second block, age ceased to be a significant predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Prognostic factors associated with death in this age group are arterial hypertension and previous institutionalization.
Humans , Male , Female , Aged , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology , COVID-19/epidemiology , Prognosis , Comorbidity , Retrospective Studies , Hospital Mortality , SARS-CoV-2 , Hospitalization , Hypertension/epidemiology
BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 affects all age groups, but higher mortality rates are recorded in older people, men and with comorbidities, mainly hypertension, diabetes and obesity. AIM: To describe the main clinical characteristics, evolution and prognostic factors for death in older patients hospitalized for COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 128 patients aged 73 years, 66% men, hospitalized at a clinical hospital, with a diagnosis of COVID-19, admitted from May 1 to August 1, 2020. Data were collected from the clinical records, a description of the study population was made, and a univariate analysis and logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: Seventy-two percent of patients had two or more comorbidities, mainly arterial hypertension in 66%, diabetes mellitus in 34% and cardiovascular disease in 19%. Forty-one percent were admitted to intensive care and 31% were connected to mechanical ventilation. In-hospital mortality was 26.6%. A multivariate analysis was performed in two blocks, finding in the first that arterial hypertension and older age significantly predict mortality. However, when previous institutionalization and immuno-suppression were included as variables in the second block, age ceased to be a significant predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Prognostic factors associated with death in this age group are arterial hypertension and previous institutionalization.
COVID-19 , Diabetes Mellitus , Hypertension , Male , Humans , Aged , Female , COVID-19/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2 , Retrospective Studies , Prognosis , Comorbidity , Hospitalization , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology , Hypertension/epidemiology , Hospital Mortality
El presente artículo ofrece una reflexión bioética a raíz del trato ofrecido a las personas mayores enel contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19. Como punto de partida, expone una paradoja evidenciada alponer el cuidado del adulto mayor en el centro de las medidas adoptadas ante la enfermedad pero que, ala vez, en algunas ocasiones, ha ofrecido la distinción por edad como único criterio para determinar el ac-ceso a recursos y tratamientos en situaciones de escasez. Surge entonces la pregunta sobre cuál es el tratoadecuado a las personas mayores. Utilizando como ejemplo de referencia la Convención Interamericanasobre protección de los derechos humanos de las personas mayores, en el presente artículo se aborda laproblemática de la asignación de recursos escasos en la tercera etapa de la vida en tiempos de pandemia.Se concluye que la pandemia es una oportunidad para reflexionar sobre el respeto y que le debemos a cadaser humano en todas las etapas de su vida.(AU)
The present article offers an analysis from a bioethical perspective of the treatment provided to seniorcitizens in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. To begin with, the article highlights the paradox thatexists when measures are adopted for the care of elderly people during a pandemic, and in some occasionsthe age of the patient is the determining factor for deciding whether to provide care or not in cases ofscarcity. The question that arises then is: What is the adequate treatment for senior citizens? Using theInter-American Convention on the Protection of the Human Rights of Elderly Persons as a point of referen-ce, this article assesses the problem of the scarce resource allocation in the Third Age during a pandemic.As a conclusion, the pandemic is a great opportunity to reflect on the respect that we should give to everyhuman being at every stage of his/her life.(AU)
Humans , Male , Female , Aged , Old Age Assistance , Health of the Elderly , Pandemics , Nursing Care , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Bioethics , Human Rights , Ethics, Clinical
The present article offers an analysis from a bioethical perspective of the treatment provided to senior citizens in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. To begin with, the article highlights the paradox that exists when measures are adopted for the care of elderly people during a pandemic, and in some occasions the age of the patient is the determining factor for deciding whether to provide care or not in cases of scarcity. The question that arises then is: What is the adequate treatment for senior citizens? Using the Inter-American Convention on the Protection of the Human Rights of Elderly Persons as a point of reference, this article assesses the problem of the scarce resource allocation in the Third Age during a pandemic. As a conclusion, the pandemic is a great opportunity to reflect on the respect that we should give to every human being at every stage of his/her life.
COVID-19 , Pandemics , Aged , Attention , Female , Human Rights , Humans , Male , SARS-CoV-2 , United States
Introducción: la arteritis de células gigantes es la vasculitis de vaso grande más frecuente y se ve predominantemente en adultos ma-yores de 50 años. El diagnóstico es en base a la clínica que se compone de cefalea, polimialgia reumática, sensibilidad en relación a la arteria temporal, compromiso del estado general, entre otras cosas, más laboratorio que se evidencia reactantes de fase aguda elevados y anemia y se confirma con biopsia de arteria temporal. Métodos: reporte de un caso de una paciente con debut con cefalea y aumento de volumen facial, lo que conllevó un diagnóstico erróneo de celulitis facial. Debido a esta presentación atípica, se retrasó el diagnóstico de arteritis de la temporal y tratamiento oportuno. Resultados: la arteritis de células gigantes es una patología que posee un gran rango de presentaciones atípicas, lo que ocurre en hasta un 38% de los pacientes que poseen la enfermedad, manifestaciones que incluyen neuralgia del trigémino, infartos linguales, aneurismas aórticos, edema facial, entre otros. Conclusión: es muy relevante conocer las presentaciones atípicas de esta patología que son muy frecuentes de encontrar en los pacientes y conocerlas nos permite aumentar nuestra sospecha clínica permitiendo un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno, evitando consecuencias irreversibles por el retraso diagnóstico.
Introduction: giant cell arteritis is the most frequent large vessel vasculitis and is seen predominantly in adults over 50 years. The diag-nosis is based on the clinic that is composed of headache, polymyalgia rheumatic, sensitivity near the temporal artery, compromise of the general condition, among other things, added to a laboratory that is evidenced like severe acute phase reactants and anemia and finally, is confirmed with temporal artery biopsy. Methods: a case report of a patient who debuted with headache and increased facial volume that led to a wrong diagnosis of facial cellulite. Because of this atypical presentation of the disease, the diagnostic took more time than usual and delayed the accurate diagnosis and timely treatment; this could have caused irreversible consequences. Results:giant cell arteritis has a wide range of atypical presentations; this may occur even up to 38% of patients that have this disease; manifes-tations include: trigeminal neuralgia, lingual infarct, aortic aneurysm, facial edema, and other symptoms. Conclusion: it is important to study the atypical presentations of this pathology because they are usually founded in patients. If we are informed about the atypical presentations, we can increase our clinical suspicion, and that allows us to get the right diagnosis and opportune treatment, avoiding irreversible consequences because of a late diagnosis.
Humans , Female , Aged , Rheumatology , Giant Cell Arteritis , Edema , Patients , Polymyalgia Rheumatica , Vasculitis , Biopsy , Acute-Phase Reaction , Face , Headache , Anemia
BACKGROUND: Inappropriate medication use in older people is an important source of adverse events and complications. AIM: To determine the frequency of inappropriate medication use in the general population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: As part of the 2010 Chilean National Health Survey, 1,048 persons aged 65 years or more were interviewed about medication use. The information obtained was analyzed using standardized Beers criteria, adapted for the Chilean population, to define inappropriate medication use. A logistic regression model was performed to define risk factors for inappropriate medication use. RESULTS: Ten percent of subjects had a high risk of inappropriate medication use. The most common medications used were chlorphenamine, amitriptyline, diazepam, chlorpromazine, chlordiazepoxide and piroxicam. The risk factors detected were female gender, polypharmacy and a bad health self-perception. CONCLUSIONS: Inappropriate medication use is common among Chilean older people and should be discouraged.
Medication Errors/statistics & numerical data , Potentially Inappropriate Medication List/statistics & numerical data , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Chile , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions , Female , Health Surveys/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Logistic Models , Male , Middle Aged , Polypharmacy , Potentially Inappropriate Medication List/classification , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , Sex Distribution , Sex Factors , Socioeconomic Factors
Background: Inappropriate medication use in older people is an important source of adverse events and complications. Aim: To determine the frequency of inappropriate medication use in the general population. Material and Methods: As part of the 2010 Chilean National Health Survey, 1,048 persons aged 65 years or more were interviewed about medication use. The information obtained was analyzed using standardized Beers criteria, adapted for the Chilean population, to define inappropriate medication use. A logistic regression model was performed to define risk factors for inappropriate medication use. Results: Ten percent of subjects had a high risk of inappropriate medication use. The most common medications used were chlorphenamine, amitriptyline, diazepam, chlorpromazine, chlordiazepoxide and piroxicam. The risk factors detected were female gender, polypharmacy and a bad health self-perception. Conclusions: Inappropriate medication use is common among Chilean older people and should be discouraged.
Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Potentially Inappropriate Medication List/statistics & numerical data , Medication Errors/statistics & numerical data , Socioeconomic Factors , Logistic Models , Chile , Sex Factors , Risk Factors , Health Surveys/statistics & numerical data , Sex Distribution , Risk Assessment , Polypharmacy , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions , Potentially Inappropriate Medication List/classification
BACKGROUND: Problems associated with alcohol consumption are prevalent in Chile, but little is known about the situation in the elderly. AIM: To perform a screening to detect alcohol-related problems and risks in the Chilean older people who travel. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire was answered by 1,076 travelers aged 60 to 93 years (66% females), who participated in trips organized by the Chilean National Tourism Service (SERNATUR). RESULTS: Seventy six percent of respondents acknowledged to have ingested an alcoholic drink during the last month. The average AUDIT score was of 2.2 ± 2.6. Only 3.7% of the sample had a score equal or higher than eight, considered as risky use. Within this last group, 60% had symptoms of alcohol dependence. A higher alcohol consumption was associated with male gender (p < 0.01), being younger than 75 years of age (p < 0.01), having a medium-low economic income (p < 0.01) and having a higher education level (p = 0.03). There was no significant association with the respondents' occupation. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of Chilean traveling older people, there was a high prevalence of alcohol consumption, and nearly 4% of respondents had alcohol related problems.
Alcohol Drinking/epidemiology , Alcohol-Related Disorders/epidemiology , Travel , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Alcohol-Related Disorders/diagnosis , Chile/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Sex Factors , Socioeconomic Factors
Hip fractures in the elderly individuals are a complex problem. Our objective was to determine whether orthogeriatric treatment is effective in terms of reducing length of hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality of elderly patients with a hip fracture compared with orthopedic (traditional) treatment. From July 2009 to May 2011, patients older than 65 years with a hip fracture were followed prospectively. They were co-treated by geriatric and orthopedic teams. This cohort was compared with a retrospective cohort followed from January 2007 to June 2009 that was managed by the orthopedic surgery team only. Epidemiology, pre- and postoperative hematocrit, and renal function were registered. Also, in-hospital and distant mortality data (determined by consulting the national registry), mortality-associated factors, postoperative complications, hospital stay length, and transfers to other services were registered. One hundred and eighty-three patients in the retrospective group and 92 in the prospective group were included in this study with a median follow-up of 26 months (interquartile range: 13-41). The average age was 84 years and 74% of patients were female. Intertrochanteric fracture accounted for 51% of the cases. There was no difference between groups with regard to hospital stay length, hematocrit at discharge, in-hospital mortality, long-term survival, or transfers to internal medicine or the intensive care unit. It did show differences in the transfer to the intermediate care unit, prolonged hospitalizations (>20 days), and diagnosis of delirium and anemia requiring transfusion. In the present study, orthogeriatric treatment is slightly more effective than traditional treatment in terms of morbidity, but there is no difference in hospital stay length or mortality. Further studies and longer follow-up are needed to draw more conclusions.
We report a 79-year-old male patient presenting with progressive memory loss associated with anxiety and muscular pain. An extensive biochemical control revealed high serum calcium and parathormone levels, and normal thyroid hormones. Cognitive assessment prior to surgery was compatible with mild cognitive impairment, showing significant improvement two months after parathyroidectomy. Our case suggests that, although rare, primary hyperparathyroidism should be considered as a possible cause of cognitive decline in the elderly.
Cognition Disorders/etiology , Hyperparathyroidism, Primary/complications , Aged , Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology , Humans , Male
We report a 79-year-old male patient presenting with progressive memory loss associated with anxiety and muscularpain. An extensive biochemical control revealed high serum calcium and parathormone levels, and normal thyroid hormones. Cognitive assessment prior to surgery was compatible with mild cognitive impairment, showing significant improvement two months after parathyroidectomy. Our case suggests that, although rare, primary hyperparathyroidism should be considered as a possible cause of cognitive decline in the elderly.
Aged , Humans , Male , Cognition Disorders/etiology , Hyperparathyroidism, Primary/complications , Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology
INTRODUCTION: An increase in visits to Emergency Departments by older adults has been reported, but there are no data available on this in countries in the early phases of demographic and epidemiological transition. This paper describes the characteristics of people over 60 years-old (AM) who visited the Emergency Department of the Hospital Clínico Universitario de la Pontificia Universidad Católica, Chile (SU-PUC), compared to those less than 60 years-old (AJ). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Demographic data and reasons for admission and re-admission were collected retrospectively from the SU-PUC monthly statistics report. Obstetrics, paediatrics and «scheduled admissions¼ were excluded. The frequencies were compared using Chi-squared (significance: P < .05). RESULTS: A total of 37,660 visits to the SU-PUC were recorded (81% AJ; 19% AM; with 8% being older than 75 years). No statistical differences were found in the visit time (70% daytime), or by season between the groups. A total of 7,414 (19.6%) of those who visited were hospitalised, with differences being detected between groups (AM: 48.9% vs 12.9% AJ; P < .001), particularly in those over 75 years (59%). The primary cause of admission was cardiopulmonary in AM (22%) and gastrointestinal in AJ (31%). Re-admissions were 10% in AM and 6% in AJ (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The use of SU by AM and some characteristics of their care process (hospitalisation) are similar to those found in countries in more advanced phases of demographic transition.
Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Chile , Female , Hospitals, University , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Young Adult
Introducción. Se ha reportado un incremento en las consultas de los adultos mayores (AM) a los servicios de urgencia (SU), pero en países en fases precoces de la transición demográfica y epidemiológica no se dispone de datos. Este trabajo describe las características de los mayores de 60 años (AM) que consultan al Servicio de Urgencia del Hospital Clínico Universitario de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (SU-PUC), en comparación con los menores de 60 años (AJ). Material y métodos. Se recogieron retrospectivamente, a partir de los informes estadísticos mensuales del SU-PUC, datos de filiación, motivos de ingreso y rehospitalización. Se excluyeron consultas obstétricas, pediátricas e «ingresos programados». Se compararon las frecuencias mediante la chi cuadrado (significación: p<0,05). Resultados. Se registraron en un año un total de 37.660 consultas al SU-PUC (81% AJ; 19% AM; siendo mayores de 75 años un 8%) No se encontró diferencia estadística en hora de consulta (70% diurna), ni estacionalidad entre los grupos. Resultados. Se hospitalizó al 19,6% de consultas (n=7.414), detectándose diferencias en función de la edad (AM: 48,9% vs 12,9% AJ; p<0,001), especialmente en mayores de 75 años (59%). La primera causa de hospitalización fue cardiopulmonar en AM (22%) y digestiva en AJ (31%). La rehospitalización fue del 10% en los AM y del 6% en AJ (p<0,001). Conclusión. La utilización de los SU por los AM y algunas características de su proceso asistencial (hospitalización) son similares a las encontradas en países en fases más avanzadas de la transición demográfica(AU)
Introduction. An increase in visits to Emergency Departments by older adults has been reported, but there are no data available on this in countries in the early phases of demographic and epidemiological transition. This paper describes the characteristics of people over 60 years-old (AM) who visited the Emergency Department of the Hospital Clínico Universitario de la Pontificia Universidad Católica, Chile (SU-PUC), compared to those less than 60 yearsold (AJ). Material and methods. Demographic data and reasons for admission and re-admission were collected retrospectively from the SU-PUC monthly statistics report. Obstetrics, paediatrics and «scheduled admissions» were excluded. The frequencies were compared using Chi-squared (significance: P<.05). Results. A total of 37,660 visits to the SU-PUC were recorded (81% AJ; 19% AM; with 8% being older than 75 years). No statistical differences were found in the visit time (70% daytime), or by season between the groups. Results. A total of 7,414 (19.6%) of those who visited were hospitalised, with differences being detected between groups (AM: 48.9% vs 12.9% AJ; P<.001), particularly in those over 75 years (59%). The primary cause of admission was cardiopulmonary in AM (22%) and gastrointestinal in AJ (31%). Re-admissions were 10% in AM and 6% in AJ (P<.001). Conclusion. The use of SU by AM and some characteristics of their care process (hospitalisation) are similar to those found in countries in more advanced phases of demographic transition(AU)
Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Hospitals, University , Emergency Medical Services/methods , Emergency Medical Services , Emergency Medicine/methods , Chile/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , 28599
Background: There is no established definition of healthy aging in clinical practice, although it is a World Health Organization goal. Aim: To develop a clinical protocol to identify healthy older people living in the community and study their clinical, laboratory and functional characteristics. Material and Methods: Healthy people aged 60 years or older, were invited to participate in the study, by newspapers and radio, if they selfperceived as healthy, lived in the community, were functionally independent and had low disease burden. Potential participants were initially screened by telephone, and those who met the inclusion criteria were included. They had a comprehensive geriatric assessment which included clinical, anthropometric, laboratory and functional assessments. Results: Of 384 people who answered the call, 83 subjects aged 60 to 98 years (57 percent women) met the inclusion criteria of healthy older people. Seventy eight percent did not consume any medication, 100 percent were able to perform physical activities that required at least three metabolic equivalents (Mets). Basic laboratory showed that approximately 90 percent of subjects had normal values, using standard benchmarks established for an adult population. Conclusions: The protocol used in this work was able to identify healthy older people with low disease burden and good functionality. It also validated history and comprehensive geriatric assessment as reliable instruments to identify these subjects.
Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Aging/physiology , Geriatric Assessment/methods , Health Status , Healthy People Programs/methods , Body Mass Index , Body Weight , Chile/epidemiology , Clinical Protocols , Overweight/epidemiology , Sex Distribution , World Health Organization
BACKGROUND: there is no established definition of healthy aging in clinical practice, although it is a World Health Organization goal. AIM: to develop a clinical protocol to identify healthy older people living in the community and study their clinical, laboratory and functional characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: healthy people aged 60 years or older, were invited to participate in the study, by newspapers and radio, if they selfperceived as healthy, lived in the community, were functionally independent and had low disease burden. Potential participants were initially screened by telephone, and those who met the inclusion criteria were included. They had a comprehensive geriatric assessment which included clinical, anthropometric, laboratory and functional assessments. RESULTS: of 384 people who answered the call, 83 subjects aged 60 to 98 years (57% women) met the inclusion criteria of healthy older people. Seventy eight percent did not consume any medication, 100% were able to perform physical activities that required at least three metabolic equivalents (Mets). Basic laboratory showed that approximately 90% of subjects had normal values, using standard benchmarks established for an adult population. CONCLUSIONS: the protocol used in this work was able to identify healthy older people with low disease burden and good functionality. It also validated history and comprehensive geriatric assessment as reliable instruments to identify these subjects.
Aging/physiology , Geriatric Assessment/methods , Health Status , Healthy People Programs/methods , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Body Mass Index , Body Weight , Chile/epidemiology , Clinical Protocols , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Overweight/epidemiology , Sex Distribution , World Health Organization
BACKGROUND: The number of nonagenarians is rapidly growing in Chile. This age group is mainly female, with higher frailty markers and in higher risk of being placed at nursing homes. AIM: To describe features of nonagenarian women and compare them with a group of women between 60-89 years, both living in nursing homes, in terms of disability and resource use at the institution. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 230 nonagenarian women and 460 women, aged 60-89 years, were evaluated in the nursing home Fundación Las Rosas de Ayuda Fraterna (only for poor elderly) in Santiago, Chile. The assessment instruments were the Geriatric Assessment instrument FEGAUC, functional and mental evaluation scales of Spanish Red Cross and the Resource Utilization System, RUG T18, an independent diagnostic classification system that allows the determination of resource use in terms of cost and personnel needs. RESULTS: Nonagenarian women had significantly (p <0.05) more disability (falls, urinary incontinence, memory problems and mobility difficulties), and were classified in RUG categories of higher resource utilization and dependency than younger women. Nevertheless, nonagenarians were a very heterogeneous group, almost half of them were able of moving by themselves or required little assistance and had minimal memory problems. CONCLUSIONS: Nonagenarian women assessed in this institution are an heterogeneous group, some with minimal disability and other more frail and dependent than the younger elderly women, being classified in higher categories of resource utilization RUG T18.
Aged, 80 and over , Geriatric Assessment , Institutionalization , Aged , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Frail Elderly , Humans , Middle Aged
BACKGROUND: There is little information about Chilean elderly residents of long term care facilities, regarding their characteristics and need for resources. AIM: To describe main characteristics and resource utilization of residents of one of the largest nursing homes in Chile, Fundación Las Rosas de Ayuda Fraterna. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a cross sectional and descriptive study, all residents were evaluated using the RUG T-18 method, that assess activities of daily living and the complexity of their clinical situation. RESULTS: We assessed 1497 subjects 60 years old and over (73% women), with an age range of 60-106 years. Thirty six percent had urinary incontinence, 19% required assistance for feeding, and 38% needed help for walking or moving. Fifty seven percent were in the lowest category of complexity, "Institutionalization". Very few residents were in the most demanding categories, no one classified as "Rehabilitation", and only 0.7% were in "Special Care". CONCLUSIONS: This study is an important start point to learn more about elderly subjects living in nursing homes in Chile.
Activities of Daily Living/classification , Health Resources , Homes for the Aged/statistics & numerical data , Nursing Homes/statistics & numerical data , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Chile , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Frail Elderly/statistics & numerical data , Geriatric Assessment , Humans , Institutionalization/statistics & numerical data , Poverty
BACKGROUND: In Chile there is a program named "Vacations for Elderly during Low Season". AIM: To characterize participants of this program and to measure the impact of traveling in their health and wellbeing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two anonymous and voluntary questionnaires were applied to 4200 participants, before and after a ten days vacation package. RESULTS: Before traveling, questionnaires were answered by 802 subjects, and after traveling by 4057 (69% women, 22% older than 75 years old, 15.8% living alone). The presence and maintaining of good health were most appreciated at this age and 59% classified their health as good or excellent. Twenty five percent referred sensory problems (seeing or hearing), 12% reported urinary incontinence and 21% presented falls in the last three months; depression screening (GDS-5) was positive in 16%. Chronic disease prevalence was similar to the general Chilean elderly population. After traveling they reported significant improvements in the items sociability, wellbeing, mood, appetite, insomnia and ostheoarthritic pain. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly who traveled were mainly women, who thought that maintaining good health is the most precious value. After traveling they improved significantly different aspects of wellbeing. Promotion of this kind of recreation programs is an important tool for integration and enhancement of quality of life in elderly subjects in our country.
Attitude to Health , Quality of Life/psychology , Recreation/psychology , Travel/psychology , Aged , Chile , Female , Health Status , Humans , Male , Program Evaluation , Prospective Studies
BACKGROUND: Falls are an important cause of disability and mortality among elderly subjects. AIM: To study the features and incidence of falls in institutionalized elderly subjects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective recording of all falls, occurring in a period of eight months, to 453 subjects older than 60 years, living a home for the elderly. Evaluation of functional status of subjects suffering falls, using the Spanish Red Cross score. One hundred and two subjects living in the same place, but not suffering falls, were considered as controls. RESULTS: One hundred and three subjects, aged 80 +/- 6 years (24% of the sample) suffered falls. Most falls were during the day and while walking. Seventy percent of subjects suffering falls did not have a history of previous falls. Nine percent of those falling, suffered a fracture. Compared to controls, falling subjects had a more deteriorated functional and mental status and consumed more benzodiazepines and neuroleptics. CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between functional status and psychotropic medication consumption and the incidence of falls in institutionalized elderly subjects.
Accidental Falls/statistics & numerical data , Geriatric Assessment , Homes for the Aged , Institutionalization , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Chile/epidemiology , Female , Frail Elderly , Humans , Incidence , Male , Mental Disorders/complications , Prospective Studies , Psychotropic Drugs/adverse effects
