[Level of functionality among senior citizen packers in a chain of Mexican supermarkets]

To identify socio-demographic characteristics and general health conditions among senior citizens working as volunteer packers in a supermarket chain in Mexico.

From May to July 2008 we carried out a cross-sectional analysis in 416 volunteers aged 60 or more years.

Mean age was 69.4 years, (range 60-87). Mean level of schooling was elementary school. Men's prior occupation was in the formal sector of the economy vs. women participants who were not. Men were mostly from lower middle class strata and women from lower strata. Most participant's self-perception of health was good although there was an inherent risk of developing obesity. Depression rating scale scores were within normal limits. They had sought work as packers due to financial constraints.

Senior citizens working as paid volunteers seems to promote their physical, mental, social and financial well being. Our findings suggest gender differences within the context of a bleak socio-economic and epidemiological panorama.