Aging and individual vulnerability: A panorama of older adults attended by the family health strategy

Abstract

Objective: identifying conditions of individual vulnerability in older adults and investigating the relationship with health indicators through a household survey. Method: a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted with 368 older adults attended by the Family Health Strategy. Data collection was performed through a structured interview, supported by instruments that include sociodemographic characterization, health indicators and the Vulnerable Elders Survey. A descriptive data analysis and Person’s chi-square test were also performed. Results: a prevalence of 52.2% individual vulnerability was found among older adults, in addition to an association with health problems, negative self-perception of health, difficulty with mobility and in performing activities of daily living. Conclusion: identifying vulnerability among the aged population is a relevant initiative for the adequacy of health policies and programs that prioritize the promotion of aging with the maintenance of functional capacity.