ABRANTES, I. S.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/1117910154979731; ABRANTES, Islânia Soares de.
Resumen:
The aging population has gained important prominence in recent years, with numerous
individual, social and cultural implications, transposing the definition of chronological age
only, being related to health conditions and functional capacity of the elderly. According to
the National Health Policy for the Elderly functional capacity should be seen priority mode in
elderly care, having as goal primary prevention of disability and the promotion of active and
healthy aging. In this perspective, this study aimed to investigate the functional capacity of
older adults who are part of the living group. Descriptive, exploratory research with
quantitative approach, conducted with 32 elderly people in Sousa-PB, through a questionnaire
with questions related to sociodemographic data and questions based on rating scales of Basic
Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. The results showed a
prevalence of females, aged between 60 and 69 years old, married, earning 1-2 minimum
wages, with the most functionally independent for performing basic and instrumental
activities of daily living. The main limitations described by them in the performance of these
activities were related to urinary incontinence, walk long distances and shopping, thus
requiring some help for her performance. Thus, there is understanding the importance of
support groups, as a means to promote functionality in the elderly, being an substantial
parameter of elderly health and its assessment, being crucial in tracking disabilities, thus
leading to a better quality of life.