SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC INDICATORS AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY OF DIABETICS ELDERLY

Abstract

SUMMARY Objective: This exploratory study aimed to measure the sociodemographic indicators and the functional capacity of diabetics elderly. Material and Methods: Fifty elderly participated of the sample. Data collection was done through interview structured, addressing relevant issues to the object of study. Data analysis was effected in a quantitative approach. Results: The majority of the aged people (54%) were in age group 75-79 years, and in this age group were predominantly female (63.4%). 96% of elderly had incomes between one and three minimum. Regarding the time living with diabetes, 34% had the disease during a period of five years or less, 28% had been living with the problem within ten to twenty years, 22% already had the disease within five to ten years. The remaining 8% lived with diabetes for more than twenty years. Regarding the condition of health the physical performance, 96% expressed diseases coexisting with diabetes, 20% of them showed low levels of physical ability, 64% medium capacity level and 16% advanced physical capacity level. Regarding the cognitive performance of the elderly, 2% had severe cognitive impairment, 22% had borderline cognitive performance. In the avaliation of affective state was identified that 44% of seniors expressed depressive symptoms. Conclusion: These findings indicate the need to incorporate the concept of functional capacity as guiding of the health professionals actions with the diabetics elderly. Descriptors: Aged. Diabetes. Nursing.