[Risk of dependence and self-esteem in elderly people according to physical activity and drug consumption].

OBJECTIVE

Despite knowing that the practice of physical activity can positively influence the health of older people, there are variables such as the risk of dependency and the level of self-esteem that can mediate people´s quality of life. The objective of this study was to know the relationship between the risk of dependence and level of self-esteem in older people.

METHODS

515 seniors between 60 and 90 years old were interviewed. A single measurement was made, using different scales and validated questionnaires (Rosenberg personal self-esteem scale, Barber test and Modified Baecke PAQ questionnaire). Statistical analyzes (with the SPSS v. 23.0 program) descriptive, ANOVA, linear regression analysis and correlations were performed.

RESULTS

89.1% had dependency risk, 32.6% were physically active and 43.3% had low self-esteem. The level of physical activity practice showed significant differences (p<0.001) favorable to active people, who had a lower risk of dependence, better self-esteem and lower consumption of medications than sedentary ones.

CONCLUSIONS

The practice of physical activity helps reduce drug consumption, which improves the self-esteem of the elderly and decreases the risk of dependence.