Clinical characteristics and social determinants in a sample of non-homebound elderly

• Published in: Cadernos de saúde pública 2015-05, Vol.31 (5), p.1025-1034
• Main Authors: Morsch, Patricia, Pereira, Gustavo Nunes, Navarro, Joel Hirtz do Nascimento, Trevisan, Margarete Diprat, Lopes, Diene Gomes Colvara, Bós, Ângelo José Gonçalves
• Format: Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Subjects: Activities of Daily Living; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Brazil; Female; Humans; Independent Living - statistics & numerical data; Male; Quality of Life; Sex Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; Urban Population
• ISSN: 1678-4464
• DOI: 10.1590/01021-311X00053014

This study aimed to assess social and clinical factors associated with the fact that older adults (≥ 60 years) go out of their homes. The study interviewed 5,898 older adults identified through home visits, randomly selected in 59 cities in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between the outcome and independent variables. Factors associated with going out were being men, younger and married, presence of arthrosis, ease in performing specific activities, and good self-rated health. Heart disease was a negative factor for going out. Given the importance of social activity for quality of life and the World Health Organization policy for active aging, it is extremely important to consider clinical conditions that allow the older adults to remain active in the community. Studies like this can help to adjust public policies for the elderly, especially acting on modifiable clinical and functional conditions.