[Level of functionality among senior citizen packers in a chain of Mexican supermarkets].
OBJECTIVE
To identify socio-demographic characteristics and general health conditions among senior citizens working as volunteer packers in a supermarket chain in Mexico.


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


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Gómez-Lomelí
Zoila Margarita
ZM
Universidad de Guadalajara, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Salud Pública, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México. zomagolo@netscape.net
Dávalos-Guzmán
Julio César
JC
Celis-de la Rosa
Alfredo de Jesús
Ade J
Orozco-Valerio
María de Jesús
Mde J
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors