FUNCTIONALITY AND AUTONOMY IN AGING: AN ANALYSIS OF INSTRUMENTAL ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING IN ELDERLY WOMEN FROM UNATI

Abstract

Population aging demands strategies to promote autonomy, with functional capacity in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (AIVDs) being crucial for quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the functionality of elderly people attending a community center, emphasizing performance in IADLs and its influence on maintaining independence. The sample consisted of 60 elderly women from the University of the Third Age (UNATI) program. The data collection process was based on the application of two distinct instruments. First, the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, developed by Lawton and Brody (1969), widely recognized for measuring the level of functional independence and autonomy in the elderly, was used. Complementarily, a structured questionnaire was applied to map the sociodemographic profile, health conditions, and level of engagement of the participants in UNATI. The results indicated that active participation in these spaces acts as a protective factor, with the majority demonstrating high functional capacity and independence in daily management. Detailed data analysis reveals a profile of high functional capacity in the studied sample, evidenced by autonomy in managing daily demands.