[Satisfaction with life and functionality among elderly patients in a geriatric outpatient clinic]

Aging is often accompanied by functional limitations that affect self esteem, lowering the level of satisfaction with life. Studies highlight satisfaction with life as a predictor of quality of life and has a marked correlation with a decrease in functionality. Therefore, this study sought to examine the relationship between satisfaction with life and functional independence and performance of the lower limbs (muscle strength, gait speed and balance) among the elderly in outpatient care with respect to age groups and genders. A total of 125 elderly men and women aged 60 years and above, attending a geriatric outpatient clinic. The instruments used were: 1) Functional Independence Measure (FIM) to evaluate functional dependence; 2) Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) to measure physical performance; 3) Satisfaction with life. The sample was random, with a predominance of females, in which the older participants had greater functional impairment. In univariate logistic regression analysis and multivariate analysis, overall self reported and comparative satisfaction with life was more satisfactory among the oldest elderly. The results suggest that older individuals have better satisfaction with life even though they have greater functional impairment.