Functional capability and associated factors in the elderly living in the community

Abstract

Objective  Estimate the level of functional capacity, self-reported diseases and the associated factors between community-dwelling elderly people;

Methods  This was a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted with 159 elderly people. We used the Brazil Old Age Schedule, Lawton and Brody scale, Katz index and a self-reported disease questionnaire;

Results  In the sample of 159 participants, it was observed that of the elderly people were between 60 and 70 years old, female, widowed, divorced or never married, could read and write, did not work and received minimum wage. For basic activities of daily living, having diabetes was the most important factor, with seven point thirty times the likelihood of been dependent. For instrumental and advanced activities of daily living, not been literate and suffering from stroke, respectively, were the most important factors;

Conclusion  Functional capacity was associated with osteoporosis and stroke and was correlated with self-reported diseases.

Health; Health of the elderly; Aged; Activities of daily living; Morbidity