Abstract:

In this study, trait anxiety and trait depression status of the elderly living in the city center of Burdur was investigated. The main objective of the study was to examine specific demographic variables of elderly with anxiety and depression and to investigate the effect of anxiety on depression in these residents of Burdur. It is thought that the study is going to contribute to local literature. This research was defined as a quantitative descriptive study. Research sample comprised of individuals aged ≥ 65 years living in the center of the province of Burdur and 404 elderly individuals were included in the research (N=12.378). The sample size was determined by the non-clustered, single-stage random possibility sampling method based on the ratio of the main mass. The research results showed that within the study group, women, those who were not retired, those receiving social support, those who were single, those with a disability or a severe medical disorder, and those with a low level of education, were at a higher risk of anxiety and depression. The levels of anxiety (2.31 ± .46) of the study participants were found to be higher than the levels of depression (2.16 ± .53). The anxiety level explained 41% of the total variance of the depression. And according to correlation analyses, a strong positive relationship was determined between the anxiety levels and the depression levels of the elderly individuals who were included in the study (r=0.64). The results showed that elderly in the center of Burdur are at risk of anxiety and depression, and some suitable psychosocial services should be formed for this population.