CAPACIDADE FUNCIONAL E PERFIL DO IDOSO INTERNADO NO SERVIÇO DE EMERGÊNCIA FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY AND PROFILE OF ELDERLY PEOPLE AT EMERGENCY UNITS CAPACIDAD FUNCIONAL Y PERFIL DEL ANCIANO INTERNADO EN EL SERVICIO DE EMERGENCIAS Pesquisa

Many medical conditions related to the ageing process concern the loss of functional capacity that imposes a considerable economic burden on health care services. This study aimed to identify the epidemiological profile of elderly patients admitted to an emergency unit and to assess their ability to perform activities of daily living. It is a cross-sectional study of 200 individuals, aged over 60 years old admitted to a university hospital emergency department in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The ability to perform activities of daily living was measured by the Katz index. Data was statistically analysed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA), Bonferroni correction, chi-square test or the likelihood-ratio test. Most participants were assessed as independent (65%). The variables “older age” and “ female sex” meant a greater dependence level, along with comorbidities and socioeconomic factors, such as low income and low educational level. Interventions addressed to this population group should be implemented so as to encourage self-care and independence considering their limits and their level of dependency.