Socio-epidemiological profile and autonomy of elderly in the city of Recife, northeastern Brazil

Articulated processes of demographic and epidemiological transition in progress in recent decades in the country are followed by the growth of the elderly population, particularly the number of oldest old, aged over 80 years. This population aging requires reorganization of the state and society, especially in relation to health and pension systems. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the socio-epidemiological profile and degree of autonomy and independence of the oldest old in the city of Recife, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. METHOD: This was a descriptive epidemiological study, of cross-sectional type, with random sample composed of 227 seniors. They answered the questionnaire Brazil Old Age Schedule (BOAS) Modified on household interviews in the six districts of the city. RESULTS: In most elderly there are feminization, low level of education, marital status as widowhood and retirement as main source of income. Older people commonly lived with daughters and grandchildren, and major health problems were hypertension, column disease, vision problems, incontinence and osteoporosis. The degree of autonomy and independence of the oldest old was considered good, since there were no reports of impairments in performing activities of daily living (ADLs) for most seniors. CONCLUSIONS: With the trend towards increasing the number of oldest old in the coming years, it is necessary to implement specific policies, adapting programs and actions that contribute effectively to the achievement of quality of life in advanced old age.