Correlates of above-average cognitive performance among older adults: the SABE study

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Handgrip and functional mobility in elderly with different levels of physical activity

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Estudo epidemiológico do perfil do idoso institucionalizado do interior paulista

The increase in the elderly population is a worldwide phenomenon and has different consequences not only in terms of health, but also in terms of economy. One of those consequences is the institutionalization. The understanding of this process, as well as of the reality of the institutionalized elderly is essential to develop policies of care. Goals: a) present the epidemiological profile of institutionalized elderly who live in institutions in the countryside of São PauloState and describe the development of an extension project implemented in two elderly-care institutions (IRLPI’s). Methods and procedures: data were collected in three forms, from which it was possible to verify: a) institutional data; b) social data and c) data about general and mental health. The data related to health were collected from the medication of continuous use. All data were launched into the database (Access) and subjected to the descriptive statistical analysis. Data related to mental health were confirmed from the application of clinical trials (Geriatric Depression Scale – GDS and Mini Mental State Examination: MMSE).

Efeitos de três modalidades de atividade física na capacidade funcional de idosos

The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the effects of three types of physical activity: general physical activity, dance and weight training, in functional capacity in elderly. The sample included 94 seniors with a mean age of 64.06 ± 7.38 years, who participated in PROFIT. For the evaluation we used the battery of test from AAHPERD, which checks the levels of flexibility, coordination, agility and dynamic balance, strength endurance and general endurance before and after four months of intervention. The results indicated a maintained in the levels of functional components. The participants general physical activity group had better results on the components: strength endurance, agility and dynamic balance. It can be concluded that the practice of regular physical activity and systematized, regardless of the type may have a positive influence on the functional performance of elderly and can preserve their independence and autonomy.