Determinants of Anxiety and Fear for the Future Among the Elderly in a City Environment
Determinants of Anxiety and Fear for the Future Among the Elderly in a City Environment

Summary/Abstract: As fear and anxiety cumulated over one’s lifespan, the problem is particularly important in the elderly. The aim of the study was to identify the factors determining the occurrence of anxiety and fear for the future in city dwellers applying for social care. The study was conducted in social care recipients being 65 years old or older. The respondents were surveyed on their social and demographic situations, health and quality of life. Statistical analysis was performed using a single-factor logistic regression model and the Statistica 9.0 package. Results were presented as odds ratios (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (p<0.05).According to the single-factor logistic regression analysis, factors significantly contributing toanxiety and fear for the future include age 70-74 years old (OR = 0.26; p<0.01), being divorced(OR = 1.79; p<0.01), fear of disease (OR = 3.15; p<0.05), very poor self-rated health (OR = 5.25;p<0.05), bad and very bad self-rated quality of life (OR = 2.97; p<0.05), possible depression (OR= 7.02; p<0.001). The most significant factor was fear of disease. Elderly people using social help often experience a feeling of anxiety and fear for the future, and its main determining factor is a variable connected with health.

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