Correlation between health conditions and functional capabilities of active elderly

Abstract

Introduction: Due to the increase in elderly survival becomes necessary to identify the impact of functional decline in this population. Objective: To investigate whether there was influence of health condition in carrying out activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) of active elderly. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 78 elderly was conducted. A questionnaire was used to identify the profile of the subjects. To evaluate the ADL´s was used the Katz Index, and to evaluate the IADL was used the IADL scale. The Spearman’s Rank was used to correlate variables and questionnaires. Results: The correlations tests did not significant, but there was a high level of independence in ADL as in IADL, according to the questionnaires scores. It is noteworthy that most elderly (80%) practice regular physical activity. Conclusions: Despite having diseases associates with the elderly practicing regular physical activity they were considered independent