Evaluation of the functional capacity of elderly people in a community of the municipal district of Moreno – PE

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the functional capacity of the elderly. This descriptive research was accomplished in the Community Alto das Estrelas, Moreno-PE, with 30 elderly people registered at the PSF. A form divided by 3 parts was used for the data collection: the senior’s identification; Scale of Daily Life Activities (DLA) and Scale of Instrumental Activities of Daily Life (SIADL); identification of the causes of the senior’s incapacities, whose application was made through domiciliary visits. The results obtained were the following: 16 women and 14 men; aged 60 – 70 years; farmers, married, retired or pensioners; illiterates; living with children and grandchildren, who they support; accomplishing leisure and religious activities. Their main complaints concerning health are: "forgetfulness" and visual alterations. Three of them were dependent of other people’s help, due to: sequel of Cerebral Vascular Accident, osteoarticular disease and psychiatric disease. It was elaborated a rehabilitation proposal as well as maintenance of the ‘ functional capacity assisted at the USF.