OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the level of independence in activities of daily living among low-income elderly METHODS: this was a cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 385 low-income elderly residents of Fortaleza. Inclusion criteria were low income, low educational level, female, and widows. Data were collected using an instrument that measured 11 activities fo daily living. Each of the activities was scored on a scale from 'no restriction" (0) to 'cannot do' (3). RESULTS: the analysis showed that the major activities impacting the level of independence were "ambulation", "household chores", and "leisure and recreation". CONCLUSION: there was a significant decrease in quality of life of elderly because of a decrease in the level of independence in performing activities of daily living. In addition, there was a lack of instituional resources, and community and family support for this sample of low income elderly.
Aging; Geriatric assessment; Activities of daily living
