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- Health, well-being, violence and social support of population aged 60+: results from a national prevalence studyPublication . Gil, Ana Paula; Kislaya, Irina; Santos, Ana JoãoThis presentation is based on a national prevalence study “Ageing and Violence”, within the Portuguese population aged 60+, in family context. We adopted a representative probability sample of 1123 people aged 60+ stratified by 7 geographic regions. Data was collected by computer-assisted telephone interviews, methodology rarely used in family sociology studies in Portugal. We obtained a social portrait of the older adults and their social support networks. This characterization covers socio-demographic aspects, physical and mental health, performing the daily living activities (ADLs) and informal and formal networks. Daughters and spouses are the main source of support. However, these family configurations vary with gender and functional incapacity of the person cared for. Overall, 15.3% of the older adults are reliant on help with ADLs, such as bathing, dressing, housework etc. Women are more likely than men to be reliant on help (19.6% and 9.8% respectively). The reliance on help also increase with age (9.4% for 60-69 age group e 36.1% for 80+ age group respectively). Only 20.2% of those who needed help with ADLs are using social services. More than half of respondents (65.5%) claims to have a sufficient number of people to ask for help when needed. About 15.1% classify their social support networks as poor and 4.4% reveal social isolation and lack of support. The nuclear family is the guarantor of solidarity between generations (resources redistribution, chronic illness or end of life) (Gil, 2010). Old age, illness and disability may be strong reasons for parents and adult’s children cohabitation. In this study 70% of the population that needs support in daily living activities lives in cohabitation (with spouse, children or other family members). Family cohabitation means mutual support but can be both aggression and indifference and sometimes can go against the norm of autonomy and respect between generations.
- Depressive symptoms and quality of life in older adults’ population: quantitative and qualitative approachesPublication . Santos, Ana João; Kislaya, Irina; Gil, Ana PaulaBased on a national prevalence study “Ageing and Violence”, within the Portuguese population aged 60+, in family context, this presentation reflects upon depressive symptoms in older age. Depressive disorder is one of the most frequent illnesses among older people, impacting negatively on their quality of life and well-being. Frequently underreported, depression may present itself with somatic and functional complaints similar to other illnesses or be devalued as “normal” adjustment to the changes that often come in later life (retirement, the death of loved ones, increased isolation, and medical problems). The data derives from the exploratory phase of the study, where semi-structured interviews (N=13) and Focus-group (N=60) were employed. In addition we also collected quantitative data on a nationally representative probability sample of dwelling adults aged 60 and over (N=1123). A 5-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale was used to screen for depressive symptoms. Overall, 51.3% of the older adults living in private households reported depressive symptoms. These were associated with long-term illness morbidity (p<0.001), reliance on help with ADLs (p<0.001), gender (p<0.001), socio-economic status (p<0.001) and absence of supportive social networks (p=0.005). In accordance, focus group and interviews participants also indicated illness and the need of help to perform day to day activities as major hurdles to well-being. Loneliness was highlighted as the most significant factor to interfere with quality of life in older age. As we grow older, we face significant life changes that can put us at risk for depression. However, depression is not an inevitable part of ageing, even though several factors, present in the lives of many elderly, can be a contributing factor to this disorder. Quantitative data and qualitative data indicate social exclusion as a crucial aspect that may protect or put at risk older adults in developing this disorder.