PROFILE OF ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN LONG-TERM INSTITUTIONS IN SOUTHERN COUNTRY

Abstract

This study had as its objectives: to describe the profile of those aged asylum in Alto do Jacuí Region, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The research was performed from November 2002 to March 2003. The sample group was made of 33 men and 56 women, whose average age was 77.88 and 79.38 years old. The association among the quantitative variables were estimated through the Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient and the association among the categorical variables was calculated through the Chi-square. Concerning the functional capability, we observed that the activities that aged people present a higher level of dependency are: taking bath, getting dressed and moving outside the unit. In a comparison between sex and urinary continence, it was observed a significant association with p=0.013. In the relation between AVDs and functional capability, the existence of limitation takes them to a functional dependence, in a higher or minor level. At the end, among the evaluated people, the predominant population is made of women, white, over 70 years old and presenting a higher functional limitation.