Demographic, clinical and functional profile of elderly participants and non-participants in community activities of church

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: the social and community activities are referred in scientific literature as strategies to promote health and quality of life during aging. Objective: To describe and compare the demographic, clinical and functional status of participants and non-participants elderly in community activities of the church. METHODS: Nineteen elderly, being 10 participants and 9 non-participants in church activities, underwent socio-demographic, cognitive (Mini-Mental State Examination) and functional (Timed Get Up and Go and Short Physical Performance Battery) assessment. RESULTS: The elderly participants in these activities had an average time of 23.62 years of activity. These elderly were younger age, more years of education, better cognitive performance, lower prevalence of self-reported falls and fear of falling, and better functional performance when compared to non-participants. There was a significant correlation between years of participation in activities with age (r=-0.579) and with cognitive performance (r=0.467). Conclusion: The elderly participants in church activities showed clinical and demographic profile more favorable for active aging and better cognitive and functional performance when compared to non-participants. Participation in these activities seems to be beneficial for maintaining the functional capacity, to have active and healthy aging, and thins this way should be encouraged to complement the programs of health promotion and disease prevention.