[Visual and auditory difficulties expressed by the aged].
OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
Observational and crossover, using an interview.


METHODS
Community.


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


RESULTS
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).


CONCLUSIONS
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.
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*
Dificultades visuales y auditivas expresadas por los ancianos.