STUDY OF THE FUNCTIONALITY, PREVENTION THE FALLS AND HEALTH PROMOTION IN ELDERLY PEOPLE LIVING AT THE VERANÓPOLIS –RS

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate falls prevalence and functionality of elderly and to propose actions that promote health. Methods: Elderly over 60 years, from Veranópolis project - RS, with Katz minimum of 4. Were used scales like Lawton, Timed up and Go (TUG), FES-I, BERG, Functional Reach Test, Tinetti, a questionnaire and muscular strength verification. Workshops were carried out to improve their health conditions and quality of life. Results: From 138 elderly, the mean age was 71,3 (SD 6,6), 81,2% are living with the family and 31,9% had falls. The falling group showed less knee muscular strength and women had more falls. The ones who live with family had less falls and the ones who have fear of falling had more falls. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that muscle strength of lower limbs and the fear of falling were important predictors of increased risk of falls. The way in which the individual resides, and being male can be considered protective factors for falls.