Relationship between mental health and level of functioning in people over 65 years in Madrid Region

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between the level of functioning (LoF) and a number of variables: sociodemographic variables, physical and mental health of people over 65 years. The sample (N = 555) was a random sample from Madrid Region. Mental disorders were evaluated with the CIDI65+ and LoF with the WHODAS II and the HoNOS65+. Analysis of means, ANOVAs, Bonferroni adjustment, and a multiple linear regression analysis were performed. Women have a lower LoF than men and LoF decreases with age. Physical and mental disorders have a similar impact on LoF. The variables that have a greater impact on LoF are the number of psychological symptoms, the presence of any mental disorder, a worse financial situation, being older, and giving little importance to religious beliefs.