Aging Process and Quality of Life: Evaluation of Weight Loss in the Elderly
Abstract
Introduction: Physiological changes can cause reduced medium or long term functional ability, taking the elderly to be susceptible to weakness or dependence on care. A better quality of life among older people aims to promote aging with independence and autonomy, making them healthier and more active and, in addition, adequate nutrition is very important to meet the nutritional needs in this age group.
Objective: Evaluate weight loss in the elderly.
Method: Quantitative and descriptive study performed in a Family Health Unit of the city of Cajazeiras, PB, Brazil. The sample consisted of 100 elderly. Data collection took place in April, May and June 2015, using a semi-structured questionnaire validated by Linda Fried and adapted to the reality studied. Data were tabulated in Microsoft Office Excel software and analyzed using SPSS (version 21). We used descriptive analysis of frequency and percentage and to verify the association between biodemographic variables with weight variation we used the chi-square test (χ2). An error equal or less than 55 was accepted, in other words, p < 0.05. The results are shown in tables.
Results: It was found that the majority of the sample was between 60 and 80 years old (85%) and female (60%). Regarding the health variables, 46% have a weight between 60 and 80 Kg, 47% has a height between 1.40 and 1.55 or 1.56 and 1.70. In relation to the Body Mass Index (BMI), 90% has the BMI less than 25. It was also found that, with relation to weight loss 83% showed no weight loss.
Conclusion: It was found that while there is no significant weight loss in the studied population, the data shown is relevant for presenting results that may indicate a better quality of life in this population.
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