Capacidade funcional de idosos.

Abstract

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.