Functional capacity as a factor promoting the quality of life of the elderly

Objective: To evaluate the functional capacity of the elderly and their association with quality of life. Method: A transversal, descriptive and analytical study was carried out by an individual and anonymous interview to 247 elderly people. A structured questionnaire was used, composed of sociodemographic characterization, Katz Index, Lawton & Brody Scale and MOS SF-36 - Medical Outcome Study Short Form - 36. Results: It was found that 80.6% of the elderly were independent in the ADL and 79.8% were independent in the IADL. On the whole, they show a reasonable quality of life. The study of the correlation between the results of the perception of the quality of life and the levels of independence in the ADL and the IADL revealed that the more independent elderly people tend to perceive a better quality of life. Conclusion: These results can contribute to the nurses developing intervention measures that promote the maintenance or recovery of the functional capacity of the elderly and, consequently, improve their quality of life. Keywords: Aged; Quality of Life; Activities of Daily Living; Nursing; Aging.