[Perceived health and functional capacity of a non-institutionalized elderly population in Barcelona]

In order to explore the perceived health and functional capacity in the elderly, a cross-sectional study was undertaken in a representative sample of the non-institutionalized population aged 65 and over, resident in Barcelona (N = 1,288), and included in the 2nd Health Interview Survey. Sociodemographic information was collected, as well as perceived morbidity, sensorial problems and functional capacity (measured by the activities of daily living [ADL]). Some 60.3% of the elderly reported having "good" or "very good" health, and 56% reported being able to do all ADL without difficulties. Women in general reported a worse perceived health and a higher chronic limitation in each age group (p = 0.001). Age was not significantly associated with perceived health, but was...associated with disability (ADL) (p = 0.001). Variables with a stronger association with "poor", "bad" o "very bad" perceived health were: comorbidity (OR = 3.69 IC 95% = 2.60-5.25), restricted activity (OR = 3.25 IC 95% = 1.86-5.66) and incapacity in any of the basic ADL (OR = 2.15 IC 95% = 1.38-3.36). The elderly who were dependent in any of the basic ADL were more frequently female, 75 or more years old, and in 10.5% of the cases did not receive any personal help. The present study gives a general description of the health status and functional capacity of the elderly and identifies a group of old people with unmet basic care needs.