EVALUATION OF THE FUNCTIONAL AUTONOMY OF ACTIVE AGED

Aging is a phenomenon marked by functional decline and loss of autonomy. It is known that the decrease of functional capacity in the elderly is caused in most cases by disuse of muscles from the sedentary lifestyle. This fact can be modified by practicing exercises; postponing the negative effects of the aging process. In order toevaluate the functional autonomy of active elderly. Cross-sectional observational study, not a random sample of convenience with an elderly from a Christian institution in the city of Taubate-SP. A questionnaire with demographic data partners, self-reported diseases and medicines use was applied. The elderly were submitted to the Latin American Development Group protocol to Maturity (GDLAM) consisting of four activities: to walk ten meters, getting up from the prone position, to sit down, to get up from the chair and to get around and getting up from a sitting position. We performed the statistical test to verify the normality by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov method to the activities of LADGPM; and applied the Student the “t test”, to verify the significance between the means (p < 0.05) in Stata 11. The average age was 70.9 years, female, eutrophic and performed regular physical activity. Regarding to muscle strength 32.2% had grade V force. In GDLAM52.6% of the elderly were classified as "Very Good", showing optimal functional autonomy, and in LPDV had the best average in seconds. The functional autonomy of active senior citizens is great; it suggesting that physical exercise significantly improves muscle strength in the elderly, leading to greater independence by providing better quality of life.