J Korean Acad Community Health Nurs.  2007 Jun;18(2):223-231.

A Study on Depression, Sleep and Fatigue in Younger and Older Elders

• Choi YH

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was to compare differences in and correlation among depression, sleep and fatigue between younger and older elders. METHOD: A total of 370 subjects aged between 65 and 88 were selected through convenient sampling. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire from March to December, 2005.
RESULTS
Younger elders showed lower levels of depression and fatigue than older ones. The level of sleep satisfaction was higher in older elders than in younger ones. In both groups, fatigue was positively correlated to depression, and depression and fatigue were negatively correlated to sleep satisfaction. In addition, fatigue was affected by depression, the number of persons in household and sleep satisfaction.
CONCLUSION
Older elders showed more serious health problems than younger ones. It is necessary to develop comprehensive intervention programs in order to promote healthy lifestyle for older elders.

Keyword

Vulnerable Population; Elderly; Depression; Sleep; Fatigue

MeSH Terms

Aged
Depression*
Family Characteristics
Fatigue*
Humans
Life Style
Vulnerable Populations
Surveys and Questionnaires