Autonomy, depression and affecting factors in the elderly people

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between autonomy and depression in individuals older than 65 years and to evaluate the factors affecting these variables. Methods: This study was conducted at the geriatric outpatient clinic of Gülhane Training and Research Hospital. The sample of the study consisted of 101 patients over 65 years of age, the ability to evaluate the truth was not impaired, there was no diagnosis of mental illness, and they accepted to participate in the study. The data were collected by using the “Descriptive Information Form”, “The Functional Autonomy Measurement System-SMAF” and “Geriatric Depression Scale”. Results: The autonomy assessment scale total score average of the participants was -9.63±-9.17. The mean total score of geriatric depression was 11.15±7.25. There was a negative correlation between geriatric depression scale mean scores and autonomy assessment scale mean scores of elderly individuals and this relationship was statistically significant. Conclusions: It was found that individuals over 65 years of age were at risk of losing their functional independence and that they had possible depression. Decreased functional independence increases with age and elevates the risk of depression in elderly individuals.