Mental status and elderly

Abstract

Disorders such as depression, anxiety, and change of sleeping pattern, loneliness and social seclusion affect 15% to 25% of the elderly. 245 subjects of over-60 years of age were selected through cluster sampling to fill out a questionnaire. Mental status scaled from 1-3 corresponding to poor, medium and good mental status respectively. Leisure time also scaled 1-3 corresponding to good, relatively good and inappropriate respectively. Chi-square was used for analysis. It was found that; 64.1% enjoyed having good mental status. 71.2% of men and 54.7% of women were found to have good mental status. 71.3% of literate subjects had good mental status while poor mental status was observed most in illiterate subjects. 68.9% of subjects who lived with their spouses showed good mental status. A significant relationship was found between gender (p= 0.0/53), marital status (p= 0.0398) and mental status. A negative correlation was observed between age and marital status (r= 0.2389). Also correlations were found between education and mental status (r = 0.504) and between age (r= 0.2389) and education (r- 0.1411) with leisure activities. Also, the correlation of mental health and leisure activities was significant (r-0.2309). It was finally concluded that the higher the age, the poorer the mental status. Poor mental status is noticeable in women and subjects with higher education. The correlation of mental health and leisure activities indicate the significance of entertainment in health and happiness of the aged people. Employment and leisure time activities are suggested to enhance their mental status.