FUNCTIONALITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF EUNÁPOLIS – BA

Abstract

Demographic transition is a global phenomenon. Increased life expectancy is related to advances in health technology, but it brings challenges to public health, such as the increase in chronic diseases. In this context, the functionality of the elderly is important for their independence and quality of life, as well as their self-perception of health. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the Quality of Life and self-reported Functionality of elderly participants in the Quality of Life group of a NASF team in the city of Eunápolis, BA. This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study in which data were collected through questionnaires, including sociodemographic, functionality and the WHOQOL-bref quality of life questionnaires, in a sample composed of elderly people of both genders, aged between 60 and 80 years, who participate in a quality of life group. Statistical analysis of the collected data was performed using Microsoft Excel software. The elderly population presented greater difficulty in activities such as kneeling, climbing stairs, running or jogging. The quality of life of the elderly was assessed as reasonable, with higher scores in the domains of social relationships and self-assessment of quality of life. The functionality of the elderly proved to be important for quality of life, with an impact on the performance of daily activities and social participation. The present study revealed that the quality of life of the elderly interviewed was classified as “Needs improvement”, with a lower score in the physical domain, and a better score in social relations.