[Functional autonomy and use of leisure time by the elderly]

The authors evaluate the relationship among the degree of functional autonomy and use of leisure time or activities, including an analysis regarding the influence of a patient's sex. To carry out this evaluation, the study used the "EVA" scale, or the Functional Autonomy Scale of Values, on 43 elderly patients over 65 years of age who receive at least one home visit per month. Among the conclusions of this study, the authors deduce that the degree of functional incapacity bears an influence on the use of spare time without observing any significant relationship as to the patient's sex. The authors make some recommendations as to how to improve the EVA scale.