Abstract

OVELAR BRITEZ, Doralice Fabiana; BENITEZ BRITEZ, Laura Patricia  and  ORTIZ DE MEDINA, Gloria Isildina. Functional capacity of older adults in the Villa Oliva neighborhood of the City of Concepción - Paraguay, 2023. Mem. Inst. Investig. Cienc. Salud [online]. 2024, vol.22, n.1, e22122409.  Epub Dec 30, 2024. ISSN 1812-9528.  https://doi.org/10.18004/mem.iics/1812-9528/2024.e22122409.

Functional capacity, defined as the ability to perform activities of daily living without supervision, is a crucial indicator of well-being in older adults. The objective of the work was to determine the functional capacity of older adults in the Villa Oliva neighborhood, Concepción, Paraguay, year 2023. An observational, descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional research study was carried out, with a quantitative approach, in a population of 35 older adults aged 65 to 80 and over, applying non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The data collection method was the application of a survey, using the interview technique, and the questionnaire as an instrument. The information was collected by applying a questionnaire with semi-structured questions that were collected from the study subjects or from family members in cases where they were not able to respond. The results obtained were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Ethical aspects of respect, beneficence and justice were considered. The findings showed that 63% of older adults were independent in carrying out daily activities, 22% had mild dependence, 8% moderate dependence, 4% severe dependence and 3% total dependence. These findings provide valuable information for the design of programs aimed at promoting healthy aging and improvements in quality of life. They also emphasize the importance of carrying out periodic evaluations of functional capacity and strengthening public policies to improve access to health services. and social support for older adults.

Keywords : Functional capacity; older adults; Villa Oliva neighborhood.

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