Mental health and aging

Abstract

The objective of this study was: a) verify the mental health in aged persons; b) identify physical symptoms in aged persons; c) inquire the depression incidence; d) verify the correlation between physical symptoms, mental health and depression in aged persons; e) verify the possible relation between physical symptoms, mental health and depression. Method: Participants: 406 persons, mean age 66 years. Data collection involved application of Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Physical Symptoms Scale, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Geriatric Depression Scale. The results indicated that the most physical symptoms related was pain in the arms, pain in the back, high pressure, weak vision. The persons had positive general mental health. The majority does not present depression. The women tell to have a greater number of physical symptoms, to feel more pain and more anxiety. The people with 50-59 years had more incidence number of physical symptoms and depression.