Keywords: elderly, family APGAR scale, frailty, geriatric depression, primary care, aging

Background:

As the population in Türkiye and worldwide continues to age, frailty and depression have emerged as significant public health concerns in older adults. Family functionality plays a key role in maintaining well-being during aging. From a primary care perspective, understanding the interplay between these factors can inform more holistic and person-centered care strategies.

Research questions:

What is the prevalence of frailty and geriatric depression in individuals aged 65 and older?

Is there an association between family functionality, frailty, and geriatric depression?

Method:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in a university-affiliated Family Health Center in Erzurum, Türkiye, between May and December 2024. A total of 203 individuals aged 65 years and older were surveyed. Data were collected using the Family APGAR Scale, the FRAIL Scale, and the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, including t-tests, ANOVA, and correlation analysis (SPSS v27).

Results:

Participants had a mean age of 70.98±4.82 years. Among them, 72.4% had high family functionality, 50.7% were pre-frail, and 41.4% showed signs of depression. There was a significant negative correlation between family functionality and both frailty (r = –0.25, p < 0.01) and depression (r = –0.42, p < 0.001), while a moderate positive correlation existed between frailty and depression (r = 0.37, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

High family functionality is associated with lower levels of frailty and geriatric depression. Strengthening family support mechanisms may improve mental and physical health outcomes in older adults.

Points for discussion:

How can family physicians assess and enhance family functionality in routine practice?

Should family-based interventions be integrated into frailty and depression management in elderly care?