The Influence of Living Arrangements on the Prevalence of Psychosomatic Disorders Between Elderlies in the City of Rasht

A number of studies have shown that attending elderly care homes (ECHs) increases the risk of negative emotions, conflicts and psychological stresses and consequently, susceptibility to a variety of diseases in elderlies. Accordingly, the aim of the present research was to evaluate and compare the prevalence of psychosomatic disorders among elderlies living in the ECHs and community dwelling elderlies. Using cluster random sampling method 160 elderlies of over 65 were sampled from public ECHs, private ECHs, alone elderlies and elderlies living with their families. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire and a "Psychosomatic disorders checklist." The most striking observation to emerge from the data comparison was that the prevalence of psychosomatic disorders in elderlies who lived alone or with their families was more than that of elderlies who lived in ECHs (p<0.01). There was no significant difference between the prevalence of the disorders between men and women, alone elderlies and those who live with their families and public ECHs and private ECHs. Despite public opinion, the results of this investigation show that living in care homes, if certain standards and conditions are satisfied, is less harmful for elderlies than living alone or living with a bad family.