Functional risk assessment of poor Chilean elders using an instrument validated in Canada

Background: information about medical and social situation of elders is lim ited in Chile. Aim: to assess the functional risk of Chilean elders using a n instrument validated in Canada. Subjects and methods: As part of a projec t aimed to help poor elders, 2,116 subjects living in Santiago , aged 65 to 99 years old (1,334 female, and 625 older than 75 years old), were intervi ewed. Results: Thirty percent of these elders were using more than three me dications and 13% lived alone. Visual problems were detected in 75% memory problems were found in 62%, 63% felt depressed, 46% had bearing problems, 4 2% suffered a fall during the last year. 35% had a health problem that forc ed than to stay at home, 32% did not count with help in a case of need, 33% referred some type of nutritional problem, 26% needed help for daily livin g activities and 25% considered to have a worst health than counterparts of the same age. Among subjects older than 75 years old, the frequency of mem ory problems, auditory impairment, number of falls, health problems that pr ecluded leaving the house, limitation for daily activities and the use of w alking aids, was significantly higher. Although men and women had similar a ges, men were in worst functional conditions, and had required more admissi ons to hospitals. There was a higher proportion of women living alone. Fema les also had a higher frequency of depression, memory disturbances, falls a nd use of more than three medications. Conclusions: Women elders tend to be in better functional conditions than men and people older than 75 years ol d have a higher functional risk. The applied instrument allowed a better fo calization of our geriatric program.