Giovana Sposito

Relações entre o bem-estar subjetivo e a funcionalidade em idosos em seguimento ambulatorial

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between subjective well-being, functional independence and lower-limb performance (muscle strength, gait velocity and balance) among elderly people undergoing outpatient follow-up, stratified by sex and age groups. METHODS: We evaluated 125 elderly people, aged 60 years and over, who received care at a geriatric outpatient clinic. The instruments used were: 1) Functional Independence Measure (FIM) to evaluate functional dependence; 2) Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) to measure physical performance; and 3) Subjective Well-Being (SWB) with questions about health and satisfaction with life. RESULTS: A convenience sample was used, with predominance of females (who had greater functional impairment). The Spearman correlation coefficients for subjective well-being and the performance tests varied from -0.16 to 0.31 for men and -0.09 to 0.29 for women, therefore there were no differences between the sexes. However, the older participants had a higher level of satisfaction than the younger participants. Perceived health was also more satisfactory among the older participants, however comparative perceived health was better among the elderly participants with moderate to good physical performance. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that older individuals have greater satisfaction with life and better perceived health. Moreover, good physical performance was an important variable for better perceived health when compared to other people.

A satisfação com a vida e a funcionalidade em idosos atendidos em um ambulatório de geriatria

Aging is often accompanied by functional limitations that affect self esteem, lowering the level of satisfaction with life. Studies highlight satisfaction with life as a predictor of quality of life and has a marked correlation with a decrease in functionality. Therefore, this study sought to examine the relationship between satisfaction with life and functional independence and performance of the lower limbs (muscle strength, gait speed and balance) among the elderly in outpatient care with respect to age groups and genders. A total of 125 elderly men and women aged 60 years and above, attending a geriatric outpatient clinic. The instruments used were: 1) Functional Independence Measure (FIM) to evaluate functional dependence; 2) Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) to measure physical performance; 3) Satisfaction with life. The sample was random, with a predominance of females, in which the older participants had greater functional impairment. In univariate logistic regression analysis and multivariate analysis, overall self reported and comparative satisfaction with life was more satisfactory among the oldest elderly. The results suggest that older individuals have better satisfaction with life even though they have greater functional impairment.

Advanced Activities of Daily Living (AADLs) and cognitive performance in community-dwelling elderly persons: Data from the FIBRA Study - UNICAMP

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between participation in advanced activities of daily living (AADLs) and cognitive performance in communitydwelling elderly persons. Method: The data presented is drawn from the population-based study entitled Frailty Profile of Elderly Brazilians (FIBRA-Unicamp). The sample comprised 2,549 older adults without cognitive impairments suggestive of dementia. Palavras-chave: Atividades Cotidianas; Participação Social; Atividade Motora; Cognição; Idoso. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1809-9823.2016.15044 8 Rev. BRas. GeRiatR. GeRontol., Rio de JaneiRo, 2016; 19(1):7-20 Data was collected relating to socio-demographic characteristics (sex, age, years of education and family income), health status (number of diseases and depressive symptoms), cognitive performance (Mini-Mental State Examination – MMSE) and self-reported social, physical and intellectual AADLs. Results: Mean MMSE scores were significantly higher among men, younger individuals and those with more years of education, higher income, fewer diseases and fewer depressive symptoms. Multivariate linear regression analysis and hierarchical regression analysis showed that years of education, family income and participation in intellectual AADLs were positively associated with cognitive performance. Conclusion: The findings suggest that these factors may have a protective role in cognitive aging and that participation in intellectual AADLs can represent a feasible strategy for the promotion of mental health among older adults.Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between participation in advanced activities of daily living (AADLs) and cognitive performance in community-dwelling elderly persons. Method The data presented is drawn from the population-based study entitled Frailty Profile of Elderly Brazilians (FIBRA-Unicamp). The sample comprised 2,549 older adults without cognitive impairments suggestive of dementia. Data was collected relating to socio-demographic characteristics (sex, age, years of education and family income), health status (number of diseases and depressive symptoms), cognitive performance (Mini-Mental State Examination - MMSE) and self-reported social, physical and intellectual AADLs. Results Mean MMSE scores were significantly higher among men, younger individuals and those with more years of education, higher income, fewer diseases and fewer depressive symptoms. Multivariate linear regression analysis and hierarchical regression analysis showed that years of education, family income and participation in intellectual AADLs were positively associated with cognitive performance. Conclusion The findings suggest that these factors may have a protective role in cognitive aging and that participation in intellectual AADLs can represent a feasible strategy for the promotion of mental health among older adults.

Effects of multisensory and motor stimulation on the behavior of people with dementia

A quasi-experimental study using a pre–posttest design was conducted in four aged care facilities to assess the effects of a person-centred care (PCC) multisensory stimulation (MSS) and motor stimulation (MS) program, implemented by direct care workers, on the behaviors of residents with dementia. Data were collected at baseline and after the intervention through video recordings of morning care routines. Forty-five residents with moderate and severe dementia participated in the study. A total of 266 morning care routines were recorded. The frequency and duration of a list of behaviors were analyzed. The frequency of engagement in task decreased significantly (p = .002) however, its duration increased (p = .039). The duration of gaze directed at direct care workers improved significantly (p = .014) and the frequency of closed eyes decreased (p = .046). There was a significant decrease in the frequency of the expression of sadness. These results support the implementation of PCC–MSS and MS programs as they may stimulate residents’ behaviors.