Napping, functional capacity and satisfaction with life in older adults: A population-based study

To analyse the association between napping, functional capacity and satisfaction with life in older adult residing in the community.

A cross-sectional population-based study using data from a health survey conducted in a city of the state of São Paulo. Information on sociodemographic and clinical variables was collected through a questionnaire, as well as the occurrence or not of napping and satisfaction with life. Functional capacity was assessed using the Katz Index and Lawton-Brody Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using the Rao-Scott chi-square test and a hierarchical analysis using stepwise backward multiple Poisson regression. p-Values <0.05 were considered significant. In this paper, we adhere to STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology guidelines.

There was predominance of the 60-69 years age group (51.3%) and of females (60.8%). The majority of the older adults (57.5%), of both sexes, reported napping. A higher prevalence of napping was found in the older subjects, the male sex, the subjects without children, those with health problems and those that were partially dependent in instrumental activities of daily living.

The study showed that naps are prevalent in older adults. The need to identify the issues that permeate napping is emphasised, in order to promote health in individuals of this age group, before classifying the practice as beneficial or harmful.

It is essential that health professionals, in their practices, consider the complaints and reports of naps in the elderly, in an attempt to detect and reduce possible consequences in activities of daily living.