CLINICAL-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE AND SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC ASPECTS OF INSTITUTIONALIZED OLDER ADULTS: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This article sought to characterize the clinical-epidemiological profile and sociodemographic aspects of institutionalized older adults as described in the scientific literature. This is an integrative review with a qualitative and descriptive approach, conducted using the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases. The search used keywords related to long-term care facilities for the elderly and their residents, including full-text, freely available articles published in Portuguese, English, and Spanish between 2015 and 2025. Following the selection and eligibility assessment, 24 studies were analyzed. The results indicated a predominance of female residents, low educational attainment, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities. The main clinical conditions identified included chronic diseases, frailty, risk of falls, nutritional deficiencies, cognitive impairment, and depressive symptoms, as well as varying degrees of functional dependence and impairments in oral health and continence. The findings reveal the heterogeneity of this population and highlight the coexistence of clinical, functional, and psychosocial needs. It is concluded that mapping this profile is essential to inform the planning of comprehensive, individualized, and multidisciplinary care. This characterization also provides direct support for improving public policies aimed at promoting autonomy, dignity, and quality of life in old age.