Atividades físicas, socioculturais e educacionais e níveis de depressão e de disfunção cognitiva em idosos ativos física e socialmente

Abstract

One of the major themes that have been discussed in the contemporary world is the human aging. Numerous studies have been performed in this area, aiming to reduce losses of this process and promote a longer, healthier and harmonious life. Currently there is a proliferation of spaces for elderly cohabitation, or so-called "third age groups," which are promoted by public and private universities, health centers, private organs like the SESC, as well as cultural and religious spaces. During aging the individual is faced with a set of biological, psychological and social changes. Depression and deficits in cognitive function are among the major mental health problems in old age. Healthy aging is determined by the maintenance of a certain level of stability in the biopsychosocial functions. Physical, socio-cultural and educational activities for seniors represents opportunity for continuing education. The objective of the research was to investigate how the practice of informal physical, socio-cultural and educational activities influence the profiles of depression and decline in cognitive function observed in the elderly. The research was developed in the qualitative and quantitative perspectives. The sample were 74 elderly of both sexes, participants from institutions aging management (GUATI), domiciled (GDOMI) and long stay institutions (GILPI). The instruments used were the Geriatric Depression Scale reduced (GDS) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). The results show that GUATI and GDOMI groups had significantly lower rates of mild cognitive impairment compared to GILPI. The rates of geriatric depression were significantly different only between GUATI and GDOMI with more positive mental state for GUATI. Demographic variables significantly associated with MMSE scores were age and education. Age was positively correlated with mild cognitive impairment, while schooling appeared inversely associated with mild cognitive impairment. The educational level was inversely associated with critical states of depression. The chi-square test indicated a significant association between physical activity and education with the categories of mild cognitive impairment. However there was no association between demographic and psychological, social and educational variables with GDS scores. The research confirmed the literature regarding the factors associated with mental health of older people, especially the relationship between education and physical activity with cognitive functions of elderly people.