Objective:
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of quality of life and socio-economic aspects on the functional capacity of elderly residents in the town of Avaré, São Paulo.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional study of 365 elderly persons living in the urban area of Avaré was performed. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Flanagan Quality of Life Scale (FQLS), the Katz Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADL) and the Lawton & Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL) were used for data collection.
Results:
Positive associations were found between the ADL and IADL of elderly persons who reported having a poor quality of life. The same was found for certain aspects of quality of life as measured by the FQLS. Of the 15 items of this scale, four influenced ADL: health, self-awareness, work and leisure, while seven influenced IADL: self-awareness, health, work, community involvement, relations with friends, socializing (making friends) and learning through courses and lectures.
Conclusion:
Elderly people with a good quality of life and more elevated socio-economic status are less functionally dependent, and there are specific aspects of quality of life that most influence functional disability in the performance of ADL and IADL.
Elderly; Functional Capacity; Quality of Life