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Learning Objective 1: "The learner will be able to learn about factors influencing attitude toward own aging in a group of Mexican older adults".
Learning Objective 2: "The learner will be able to learn the relationships between attitude toward own aging and functionality,and disability in a group of Mexican older adults".
Methods: A descriptive correlational design was used. A random sample using the square as conglomerate was drawn. Sample size was estimated with the following criteria: .05 significance level, 90% power, r= .40 effect size resulting in 62 older adults, but considering a design effect (square as conglomerate) and a 10% of not response the sample size was increased to 103. The Mini Mental State Examination was used as a screening test. An attitude toward aging questionnaire, the Late Life Function and Disability Instrument and Tinetti´s Gait Index were applied. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the School of Nursing, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, all participants gave oral informed consent.
Results: Mean age was 70.99 years (SD = 7.96; 60-97), years attended school was 4.50 years (SD = 4.05; 0-17); number of diseases was 2.29 (SD = 1.25; 0-5) and medicines 3.17 (SD = 2.39; 0-10). Sixty four percent (66) were women. Multivariate analysis showed that age, disease and medications affected attitude toward aging (all ps ≤ 0.05). Age and number of disease also affected functionality, temporo-spacial characteristics of gait on Tinetti test, and disability (p < .001). Gender influenced length and cycle of step (ps < .038). A better attitude was significantly correlated to functionality (rs = .42) and to less disability (r = .52). Functionality and gait were significantly correlated (rs = .34); functionality affected disability (p = .001, R2 = 48%).
Conclusion: Those with more age, more diseases and medications showed a less positive attitude. A positive attitude towards own aging related to functionality and disability, and functionality determines disability of older adults.
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