ALENCAR, Mariana Lícia Ramos de.
Abstract:
Functional capacity in the elderly translates into the potential to decide and act in their lives independently, which raises their wide assessment for the recognition of specific health needs presented in old age. Objective: To evaluate, from a multidimensional perspective, the functional capacity of the elderly assisted in the Family Health Strategy. Method: Cross-sectional epidemiological investigation carried out in the city of Petrolina - PE, with a sample composed of 43 elderly individuals. Data were obtained through the Katz Index, Lawton Scale, Mental State Mini-Exam, Geriatric Depression Scale, Timed up and go Test, Snellen Optometric Scale, and Sociodemographic and Clinical Questionnaire, with analysis subsidized by descriptive statistics. Results: On functional capacity, 95.3% of the elderly were independent for basic activities of daily living, but only 2.3% were for instrumental activities; Regarding mood, 34.9% of the elderly had mild depression; 88.4% are normally independent for mobility; and 55.8% showed moderate loss of visual acuity. Conclusion: The elderly have partially preserved independence and autonomy, with discrete functional limitation ratified by senescence. Multidimensional evaluation of the elderly is essential in the context of primary care to promote health care effectiveness.
