ANÁLISE DA CAPACIDADE FUNCIONAL EM ATIVIDADES BÁSICAS DE VIDA DIÁRIA DE IDOSOS FREQUENTANTES DO CENTRO DE CONVIVÊNCIA NO MUNICÍPIO DE BALSAS, MARANHÃO

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Aging is a natural process that brings physical and cognitive changes, which can compromise the independence and quality of life of older adults. Functional capacity, reflected in the autonomy to perform basic and instrumental activities of daily living, is a key indicator of this independence. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the functional capacity of elderly individuals in basic activities of daily living (BADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) at the Conviver Senior Community Center in the municipality of Balsas, Maranhão.
METHODOLOGY: This is a descriptive-exploratory study with a quantitative approach. Data were collected between August 12 and September 12, 2024, through structured interviews with 53 elderly participants. The Katz Index was used to assess BADLs, the Lawton Scale for IADLs, along with a sociodemographic and economic questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using BioState software version 5.4. CONCLUSION: The results showed that 100% of the elderly were independent in performing BADLs, such as bathing and eating. Regarding IADLs, while most participants remained autonomous, some showed partial or total dependence in more complex tasks, such as managing finances and organizing the home. Age had a significant impact on IADLs, with a 19.32% variation associated with aging. The study emphasizes the importance of spaces like the Conviver Center, which promote social interaction and support autonomy, contributing to the preservation of physical, emotional, and social health in the elderly. Such initiatives are essential for delaying functional decline, enhancing well-being, and strengthening self-esteem in the aging population.