Capacidade funcional do idoso institucionalizado

Abstract

Functional capacity is defined as the ability to maintain physical and mental skills necessary for an independent and autonomous life. It represents the independence of the individual to perform basic and instrumental activities of daily living, being a factor in the diagnosis of mental and physical health of the elderly population. The loss of functional capacity is associated with the prediction of fragility, dependency, institutionalization, increased risk of falls, hospitalization and death. In this sense the concern with the functional capacity has emerged as a highlight in the field of geriatrics and gerontology. Thus, this study aimed to identify and discuss the levels of functional capacity of Brazilian elderly institutionalized. To this end we carried out a critical review of literature. Studies were analyzed in the period 2001 to 2011, the BIREME databases, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library. After determination of the inclusion criteria, five articles were selected that assessed the functional ability of institutionalized elderly. Four studies found a prevalence of an elderly independent and found a high rate of elderly dependents. The study highlights the need for more studies with institutionalized elderly, to address the functional capacity and the factors determinants that may be associated.