Physical, social and programmatic vulnerability of elderly people: a descriptive study

Abstract

Aim: To identify physical, social and programmatic vulnerabilities among the elderly as part of Family Health Strategy (FHS) in the city of Joao Pessoa/PB. Method: This is a cross-sectional household survey using a descriptive design, carried out with 368 elderly persons in the period from February to April 2014. Results: It was found that most individuals were physically vulnerable. They presented a self-assessment of poor health, difficulties in terms of mobility and in carrying out the activities of daily living. There was a predominance of elderly people residing in areas of low social vulnerability who used the services provided by the Unified Health System more frequently than the general population. Conclusion: Although it has been little studied in gerontology, the concept of vulnerability emphasizes the importance of the expansion of comprehensive and contextualized care with regard to the health of the elderly through the recognition of the individual and collective aspects that influence their quality of life.