HEALTH CONDITIONS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF AGED 80 AND OVER LIVING IN A TOWN IN THE NORTH OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL STATE, BRAZIL

Abstract

Longevity of human population is a reality of modern society, in which the amount of people aged 80 and over is significant. Although there are a percentage of people who get older healthfully, it is possible to identify that, in this age group, elderly can be more fragile and vulnerable to illness. This research aims to know the profile and the health conditions of aged 80 and over in a town in the North of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. It is a quantitative study, developed inter-institutionally. Sample consisted of 85 elderly, aged 80 or more, living in household environments, linked to a health center. Data were collected at their home, guided by an instrument, with questions concerning to the profile and health conditions of the aged. Data analysis was based on descriptive statistics. There are predominance of women, widowers, aged 80-104 years. Most of them attended formal education until the 4th grade and on third of them did not study. Number of children varied from none to 14. All the respondents have a religious belief. When the subject is health condition, 65,88% reported having hypertension, 21,17% have hearth diseases, 10,58% osteoporosis, 9,41% diabetes mellitus, 8,23% consequences of stroke, 3,52% Parkinson disease and 2,35% are cancer patients, 16,47% of the aged said they do not have diseases. The most frequently used medication is antihypertensive drug. The study indicates that health actions must be focused in the maintenance of the aged functional capacity.