Use of physical exercise for prophylactic purposes in the elderly

Abstract

A review of depression in the elderly was carried out with the aim of exposing important aspects related to diagnosis, evolution, prognosis and treatment in order to contribute to a wider understanding of this mental disorder in the elderly population, taking into account the constant growth of this population and presenting depression as an entity of relevant importance because it is one of the most frequent mental disorders at this age. An updated overview was also presented on some components of the health status of the Cuban population aged 60 and over based on statistical data provided by official statistical information systems. An increase in population ageing was observed between 1970 and 2003, with 14.5% of the population over 60 years of age in 2003. Care for the elderly has been consolidated by increasing the number of geriatricians as well as the units providing health services to this sector of the population. The main causes of death correspond to chronic non-communicable diseases, the first five of which are: heart disease, malignant tumors, cerebrovascular disease, influenza and pneumonia, and diseases of the arteries, arterioles and capillaries. In these ages the greatest risks of illness corresponded to acute respiratory infections and acute diarrheal diseases. High blood pressure was the most prevalent disease affecting women. The ageing of the Cuban population is one of the most important demographic and social implications of the decline in fertility, mortality and increased life expectancy.