Dependencia funcional en los adultos mayores de la Fundación Santa Ana, Cuenca diciembre 2021- mayo 2022

Abstract

Background: Aging is the stage in which changes are experienced that generate physical, mental and social deterioration, leading older adults to present decreased functional capacity to perform activities of daily living. An assessment of functionality and degree of dependence is necessary to identify the condition of this population. Objective: To describe the level of functional dependence in older adults of the Santa Ana Foundation, Cuenca, December 2021- May 2022. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive research was carried out with a universe of 48 older adults of the Santa Ana Foundation. A comprehensive description of the level of functional dependence was made by applying scales of the Modified Katz Index and the Lawton and Brody Index, used by the Ministry of Public Health of Ecuador. Results: The universe consisted mainly of older adults aged ≥ 81 years, women, single and mostly without any level of education. It was determined that there is a higher percentage of older adults who are independent for the development of basic activities. According to the level of dependence in Instrumental activities of daily living 6.25% are independent, 70.83% need some help and 22.92% are dependent. Conclusions: It has been identified that functional dependence in older adults is lower to execute basic activities of daily living and functional dependence is higher to perform instrumental activities.