Introduction

The aging process can compromise the functional capacity of the elderly, affecting their autonomy/independence and, consequently, their quality of life. The aim of this study was to describe the functional capacity of the elderly cared by the family health program in the northern region of Brazil.

Materials and Methods

Quantitative, cross-sectional study conducted with 130 elderly individuals living in urban and rural areas cared by Family Health. Functional capacity was evaluated through the Brazilian Version of Older Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed through descriptive statistics and inferential analysis via Pearson and Mann-Whitney chi-square statistical tests, considering the significance level ≤0.05.

Results

The study showed predominance of elderly women (57.7%), married (47.7%) with low level of schooling (59.2%). The sample had some degree of functional disability among the urban (78.4%) and rural (84.3%) elderly.

Discussion

The functional capacity of the elderly should be preserved with health actions, given that it is characterized by a strong predictor of quality of life.

Conclusions

Good functional capacity confers a better quality of life in the elderly, being a condition to provide active aging. Evaluating the functional capacity of the elderly is essential to control and maintain active and healthy aging.

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