QUALITY OF LIFE, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL AND FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY AMONG INSTITUTIONALIZED AND HOMEBOUND ELDERLY PEOPLE

Abstract

Objective: To compare the quality of life, physical activity level and functional mobility among institutionalized and homebound elderly people. Material and Methods: This was a quantitative, descriptive and ex-post facto study developed with 32 elderly people divided into two groups: resident in institutions (n = 16) and resident at home (n = 16). The selection of the institutionalized group was made by drawing lots from three of the six institutions of Vale do Taquari-RS, while the homebound group was recruited through the same districts in which the chosen institutions were located. The SF-36 Generic Questionnaire was used to measure quality of life, while the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to measure physical activity level, and the Timed Up-and-Go Test was employed for functional mobility. Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and independent T-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Both quality of life, in its eight domains, and functional mobility, were similar between groups (p> 0.05). Regarding the level of physical activity, 100% of the institutionalized and 37.5% of the homebound elderlies were considered sedentary, with a significant difference (p <0.05). Conclusion: Living in their residence or in specific institutions does not interfere with the elderlies’ quality of life and functional mobility. Nevertheless, with regard to physical activity, homebound elderlies were found to be more active as compared to their peers. DESCRIPTORS: Aged. Quality of life. Motor Activity.