Estado psicológico de los estudiantes que asisten a un programa universitario para personas mayores: enfoque en los síntomas de ansiedad y depresión

Abstract

It is a fact that the global population is aging and Europe is the country with the largest proportion of population aged 60 years and over. Several studies have demonstrated the importance of social networks and social inclusion in the welfare of the elderly.The aim of the current study was to assess psychological status in a group of students participating in a university-based program for retired/elderly people. The hypothesis proposed was that participation in the program would have a positive impact on anxiety and depression symptoms.45 individuals attending a program for retired/elderly people at the University of the Basque Country in Bilbao, Spain, were assessed with the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). The assessment was done prior to the participation in the University-based curriculum, as well as eight months after. Socio-demographic data were also collected.Changes from time 1 to time 2 evaluations in total and factor scores for key dimensions of the BSI were analyzed. For doing so, T tests and multifactorial analyses -particularly focused on anxiety and depression symptoms- were used.A positive change following participation in the program was observed in most dimensions of the BSI, particularly in measures of anxiety and depression symptoms.The provision of special university-based programs for elderly/retired people may lead to positive outcomes in psychological status

Keywords

• healthy aging; psychology; anxiety; depression