Evaluation of the functional performance of community-dwelling elderly

Abstract

Introduction: Population aging has shown an increase in life expectancy worldwide, requiring changes in social behavior and health. The aging process is multifactorial, comprising variables such as genetics, lifestyle and chronic diseases. With aging, there is a reduction in functional capacity, compromising quality of life, and often resulting in reduced autonomy. Objective: To evaluate the functional performance of community-dwelling elderly. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study involving community-dwelling elderly. Handgrip strength (HGS) through dynamometry, the gait speed test (TVM) and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) were used to assess the level of functional performance. Results: 250 elderly people participated in the study, 170 women (132 active and 38 sedentary) and 80 men (58 active and 22 sedentary). The mean age of participants was 70.5 (±6.1). There was no significant difference regarding age between the subgroups (women and men, active and sedentary). In the functional performance variables, significant differences were found regarding the subgroups of women for the TVM (p0.001) and TUGT (p0.010). And, among men, HGS (p0.012), TVM (p0.000) and TUGT (p<0.000). Conclusion: In this study, active elderly had better scores in the main controlled variables when compared to sedentary ones. Such findings reinforce the evident benefits of physical exercise in functional performance. Bad lifestyle habits can result in negative health outcomes. Active aging should be encouraged by health professionals and promoted by public authorities.

Key words: functional physical performance; physical exercise; elderly; aging.