Levels of anxiety and depression in a sample of retirees south and west of Puerto Rico and the current economic crisis

Abstract

Objective: To explore the levels of anxiety and depression in a sample of retired Puerto Ricans as well as their economic situation and how they have faced the crisis that has plagued the country for the past 7-8 years. Method: Research with mixed approach (quantitative / qualitative). First, it was conducted a structured interview with 201 retired people from the south and west of Puerto Rico, selected because of their availability. On the other hand, they were given the tests of anxiety and depression by Beck. Results: Around the levels of anxiety and depression, 65.1% of participants had moderate to severe levels of anxiety while 19.1% had moderate to severe levels of depression. Finally, two multiple regression models that are inspected, the researchers found that a model consisting of the variables of occupation, financial situation before retiring, perceived effects of economic conditions and levels of depression, it showed to be statistically significant and explain 96% of the variance (p = .002). Moreover, the variables included in the prediction model, we found that the variable "perceived effects of the economic situation" was the best predictor (p = .000). Conclusions: Retirement instead of being a time of relaxation and enjoyment has been a period marked by economic hardship and emotional disturbances, particularly anxiety. Added to this, the elderly also face the ravages of the economic crisis and the fiscal impact of retirement in their daily lives.