Prevalence of psychologic impairment in an advanced-age population

Interviews were conducted in the homes of 200 persons aged 80 years or older; 100 lived in Vancouver and 100 in Victoria, B. C. Between 15 and 27 per cent showed psychologic impairment, as measured by self-reporting of symptoms, including use of prescribed psychotropic drugs. A comparison of those who were psychologically impaired with those who were psychologically healthy demonstrated that accidents, eye problems, and dearth of social contacts were significantly associated with the former group. In 74 per cent of the sample, activities were restricted in varying degrees because of health problems, and there was a surprising degree of social isolation. On the Social Interaction Index, low scores were significantly more common among the psychologically impaired, and a similar relationship between poor physical health and social isolation was demonstrated with a multiple regression analysis. The findings suggest that poor social interaction, particularly, and poor health may be predictors of psychologic distress. Extended family support is weakening, and planned programs are needed to improve the lifestyles of the aged and to prevent loneliness and alienation.