[Visual and auditory difficulties expressed by the aged]

To determine the proportion of the elderly who have difficulties in their perceptive functions (seeing and hearing) and associated factors in the area of health self-perception and functional capacity.

Observational and crossover, using an interview.

Community.

787 elderly people not in institutions; 93.8% reply rate.

Using a questionnaire, data were obtained on deficiencies in their sense organs and self-perceived health. Validated scales to determine functional capacity (physical, psychic and social) were used: Katz, Lawton and Brody indexes, Cognitive mini-test, DUKE-UNC questionnaire and Geriatric Depression scale. A serious difficulty or inability to read or watch television was expressed in 17.3% of cases (CI 95%; 14.8-20.0) and to follow a normal conversation in 10.5% (CI 95%; 8.4-12.6). The proportion of the elderly dependent on others to carry out their normal daily activities was 2.2 times greater among those who displayed severe visual problems (CI 95%; 1.7-2.9) and 1.8 times greater if they had hearing difficulties (C.I. 95%; 1.4-2.3). There was a linear tendency between greater visual or auditory problems and less social support (p = 0.01), greater dependency on others for basic daily activities (p < 0.001) and worse perceived health (p < 0.001).

The elderly, especially the oldest among them, frequently display hearing and visual problems, which are related to low self-perception of health and greater functional incapacity.