Comparing depression and death anxiety at blind and non-blind elderly

Background: Aging is a biological truth existing throughout the history of human being life with varying reflections. The elderly are the most heterogeneous group compared to other age groups with more differences rather than similarities. Some of them are blind which makes this issue even more complicated. The requirements of a life with least concerns for the elderly include mental as well as physical health. The purpose of this research was to compare depression and death anxiety among blind and non-blind elderly in Tehran.Materials & Methods: In this descriptive-comparative study, 150 blind and non-blind aged old people living in Tehran were included. The database of non-blind elderly is available in Blind Association. Sampling was performed using convenience method. Data collection tools were the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Templer Death Anxiety Scale. Data were collected using in a self- declaration mode and analyzed using SPSS and T-test. Results: Depression and death anxiety were statistically more in blind than non-blind elderly (p=0.05).Conclusion: One of the most obvious groups with disability are blind people. The fact is that visual impairment limits communication of these people. Therefore, they develop more mental and psychological disorders than their blind peers. They need continuous psychological interventions, diverse interesting entertaining programs, and social participation.

کلیدواژه ها:

Non-Blind ، Blind ، Depression Death Anxiety ، Elderly