Introduction

Population aging is a worldwide phenomenon related to various health conditions in the society, as well as economic, social, cultural, and demographic changes resulting from the reduction in fertility rate and the increase in life expectancy.

Objective

To analyze the health profile of very elderly residents of the municipality of Aracaju (State of Sergipe, Brazil), who are living in their social context.

Materials and Methods

This is a cross-sectional, quantitative study of 601 very elderly people in Aracaju, using the “Mini-Mental State Examination” (MEEM) instrument and general data showing socioeconomic and clinical aspects.

Results

77 (12.8%) did not reach the MEEM cut-off point, 369 (70.5%) were female and 155(29.5%) were male; 217 (41.4%) had incomplete schooling; 359 (68.6%) had high blood pressure; 143 (27.3%) were hypercholesterolemic; 122 (23.3%) were diabetic; 175 (33.5%) had arthrosis.

Discussion and Conclusions

The elderly population is more vulnerable to chronic pathologies such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesteremia, arthrosis, and critical situations in their daily activities such as falls and self-medication. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the health profile of the very elderly population.

        · resumen en Español | Portugués     · texto en Portugués     · Portugués ( pdf )