Edentulism-free life expectancy among older Brazilian adults: SABE study, 2006-2016.

AIM: To assess edentulism-free life expectancy (EFLE) and the related inequalities by sex and schooling among older Brazilian adults from 2006 to 2016. BACKGROUND: Tooth loss is related to shortened longevity and unhealthy life expectancy in old age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The outcome of the study was EFLE, assessed by age, sex and schooling. EFLE was estimated using the Sullivan method, considering the years and proportion of remaining life and the prevalence of edentulism-assessed in the Health, Well-being, and Aging cohort study, as well as the official mortality data for adults aged 60 years or older living in São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: EFLE increased from 10.9 (95% CI: 10.4-11.5) to 13.8 (95% CI: 13.2-14.5) years, considering data from 2006 to 2016, among 60-year-old individuals. In relative terms, these individuals expected to live 50.7% (95% CI: 48.1-53.2) of their remaining life free of edentulism in 2006, while this expectation was 62.8% (95% CI: 60.0-65.6) in 2016. Within both years, women and the less educated had lower EFLE than men and the higher educated. CONCLUSION: EFLE increased from 2006 to 2016. However, inequalities concerning sex and education remained significant, thereby highlighting the need to continuously address inequalities in tooth loss throughout life to contribute to a healthy ageing.

The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil): Objectives and Design.

Brazil is experiencing among the world's fastest demographic aging worldwide. This demographic transition is occurring in a context of few resources and great social inequalities. The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil) is a nationally representative study of 9,412 people aged 50 years or older, residing in 70 municipalities across the 5 Brazilian regions. ELSI-Brazil allows investigations of the aging process, its health, psychosocial and economic determinants, and societal consequences. The baseline examination (2015-2016) included detailed household and individual interviews and physical measurements (blood pressure, anthropometry, grip strength, and timed walk and balance tests). Blood tests and sample storage were performed in a subsample of study participants. Subsequent waves are planned for every 3 years. The study adopts a conceptual framework common to other large-scale longitudinal studies of aging in the world, such as the Health and Retirement Study, allowing cross-national comparisons. The goal of ELSI-Brazil is not only to build an understanding of aging in a large, Western, middle-income country in a rapid demographic transition but also to provide scientific data to support and study policy changes that may affect older adults. We describe the methodology of the study and some descriptive results of the baseline survey.

Abdominal obesity as a risk factor for disability in Brazilian older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of abdominal obesity in the incidence of disability in older adults living in São Paulo, Brazil, in a 5-year period. DESIGN: Longitudinal study, part of the SABE Study (Health, Wellbeing and Aging). We assessed the disability incidence in the period (reported difficulty in at least one activity of daily living (ADL) in 2010) in relation to abdominal obesity in 2006 (waist circumference ≥102 cm in men and ≥88 cm in women). We used Poisson regression to evaluate the association between obesity and disability incidence, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical factors including BMI. SETTING: São Paulo, Brazil. SUBJECTS: Older adults (n 1109) who were independent in ADL in 2006. In 2010, 789 of these were located and re-interviewed. RESULTS: The crude disability incidence (at least one ADL) was 27·1/1000 person-years in the period. The incidence rate was two times higher in participants with abdominal obesity compared with those without (39·1/1000 and 19·4/1000 person-years, respectively; P<0·001). This pattern was observed in all BMI levels. In regression models, abdominal obesity remained associated with disability incidence (incidence rate ratio=1·90; P<0·03), even after controlling for BMI, gender, age, low grip strength, cognitive impairment, physical inactivity and chronic diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal obesity was strong risk factor for disability, showing a more significant effect than BMI, and thus should be an intervention target for older adults. Waist measure is simple, cost-effective and easily interpreted, and therefore can be used in several settings to identify individuals at higher risk of disability.

[Mediate evaluation of replicating a Training Program in Nonverbal Communication in Gerontology]. / Avaliação mediata na replicação do programa de capacitação em comunicação não verbal em gerontologia.

OBJECTIVE: Replicating the training program in non-verbal communication based on the theoretical framework of interpersonal communication; non-verbal coding, valuing the aging aspects in the perspective of active aging, checking its current relevance through the content assimilation index after 90 days (mediate) of its application. METHOD: A descriptive and exploratory field study was conducted in three hospitals under direct administration of the state of São Paulo that caters exclusively to Unified Health System (SUS) patients. The training lasted 12 hours divided in three meetings, applied to 102 health professionals. RESULTS: Revealed very satisfactory and satisfactory mediate content assimilation index in 82.9%. CONCLUSION: The program replication proved to be relevant and updated the setting of hospital services, while remaining efficient for healthcare professionals.

Prevalence and characteristics of lesions in elderly people living in the community. / Prevalência e características das feridas em pessoas idosas residentes na comunidade.

Objective To describe the profile and the characteristics of elderly people with mobility restrictions who are residents in the community and have skin lesions. Method This was an exploratory and descriptive study that was part of the Health, Welfare and Ageing (SABE) study which assessed the presence of skin lesions in a probabilistic sample of elderly people living in the city of São Paulo in relation to factors such as socio-demographic issues, blood biomarkers, health conditions and the use of services. The analysis used the chi-square test with the Rao-Scott correction for complex samples, with a level of significance of 5%. Results In 2010, 20.7% of elderly people with restricted mobility had skin lesions due to this problem. The most common sites of these lesions were the sacral region for both sexes, the scapular region for women and the trochanteric region for men. Older age, multimorbidity and functional impairment were more prevalent among the elderly people with lesions, as well as greater levels of care that were required. Family dysfunction was associated with higher burdens on caregivers, which may affect the quality of care provided. It was observed that elderly people who are priorities for home care do not receive such care adequately. Conclusion The prevalence of skin lesions in the elderly with mobility restrictions living in the community was low; however, these elderly people require special attention, which is not currently being adequately provided. The reorganization of policies and care services appears to be essential.

Effect of polypharmacy and Fall-Risk-Increasing Drugs (FRIDs) on falls among Brazilian older adults: The SABE cohort study.

Polypharmacy, considered as the use of multiple medications, has been one of the factors associated with a higher risk of falls among older adults. However, the association of this factor regardless of the use of Fall-Risk-Increasing Drugs (FRIDs) has not been extensively explored. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal association of polypharmacy with falls and verify whether this association is independent of FRID use. METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted with a representative sample of the urban population aged 60 years and over in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, from 2000 to 2006. The analysis of the association among polypharmacy, the use of FRIDs, and the occurrence of falls over the years was performed using Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) models adjusted for covariates. RESULTS: The association between polypharmacy and falls was significantly attenuated after the adjustment for covariates and FRIDs. Users of two or more FRIDs had higher odds of falls (OR = 1.51; CI [1.16; 1.96]). CONCLUSION: FRID use was associated with the occurrence of falls among older adults. The number of medications must be kept to the minimum necessary, and FRIDs should be avoided in approaches to preventing falls among older adults.

Overweight in Older Adults: A Follow-Up of Fifteen Years of the SABE Survey.

Despite extensive research on overweight and obesity, there are few studies that present longitudinal statistical analyses among non-institutionalized older adults, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with excess weight in older adults from the same cohort over a period of fifteen years. A total of 264 subjects aged (≥60 years) from the SABE survey (Health, Wellbeing and Aging) in the years 2000, 2006, 2010, and 2015 in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, were evaluated. Overweight was assessed by a BMI of ≥28 kg/m2. Multinomial logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and health data were used to assess factors associated with excess weight. After normal weight, overweight was the most prevalent nutritional status in all evaluated periods: 34.02% in 2000 (95%CI: 28.29-40.26); 34.86% in 2006 (95%CI: 28.77-41.49%); 41.38% in 2010 (95%CI: 35.25-47.79); 33.75% in 2015 (95%CI: 28.02-40.01). Being male was negatively associated with being overweight in all years (OR: 0.34 in 2000; OR: 0.36 in 2006; OR: 0.27 in 2010; and OR: 0.43 in 2015). A greater number of chronic diseases and worse functionality were the main factors associated with overweight, regardless of gender, age, marital status, education, physical activity, and alcohol or tobacco consumption. Older adults with overweight and obesity, a greater number of chronic diseases, and difficulties in carrying out daily tasks required a greater commitment to healthcare. Health services must be prepared to accommodate this rapidly growing population in low- and middle-income countries.

Socioeconomic and sex inequalities in chronic pain: A population-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the impact of socioeconomic inequalities on chronic pain of older adults according to sex. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This population-based cross-sectional study used survey data from the 2015 cohort of the SABE Study (Saúde, Bem-estar e Envelhecimento), Brazil. Socioeconomic status was examined at individual level (educational attainment, financial independence, and race/skin color) and contextual level (Human Development Index). We analyzed the association between variables using the chi-square test and the Rao & Scott correction. Logistic regression models were adjusted for risk factors. RESULTS: The study comprised 1,207 older adults representing 1,365,514 residents 60≥ years of age in the city of São Paulo. Chronic pain was more frequent in females (27.2%) than in males (14.5%) (p<0.001). Females evidenced the worst self-perception of pain, especially those of the most vulnerable socioeconomic strata. Social inequalities impacted chronic pain in different ways between sexes. Among females, unfavorable living conditions (OR = 1.59; 95%CI 1.07; 2,37) and Blacks/Browns females were most likely to have chronic pain (OR = 1.32; 95%CI 1.01; 1.74). Among males, only the individual aspects were significant for the occurrence of chronic pain, such as low educational attainment (OR = 1.88; 95%CI 1.16; 3.04) and insufficient income (OR = 1.63; 95%CI 1.01; 2.62). DISCUSSION: The potential for inequality was greater for females than for males reflecting structural factors inherent in a highly unequal society. Conclusions: Equity-oriented health policies are critical to preventing pain in human aging.

Immunogenetics of HLA-B: SNP, allele, and haplotype diversity in populations from different continents and ancestry backgrounds.

HLA-B is among the most variable gene in the human genome. This gene encodes a key molecule for antigen presentation to CD8+ T lymphocytes and NK cell modulation. Despite the myriad of studies evaluating its coding region (with an emphasis on exons 2 and 3), few studies evaluated introns and regulatory sequences in real population samples. Thus, HLA-B variability is probably underestimated. We applied a bioinformatics pipeline tailored for HLA genes on 5347 samples from 80 different populations, which includes more than 1000 admixed Brazilians, to evaluate the HLA-B variability (SNPs, indels, MNPs, alleles, and haplotypes) in exons, introns, and regulatory regions. We observed 610 variable sites throughout HLA-B; the most frequent variants are shared worldwide. However, the haplotype distribution is geographically structured. We detected 920 full-length haplotypes (exons, introns, and untranslated regions) encoding 239 different protein sequences. HLA-B gene diversity is higher in admixed populations and Europeans while lower in African ancestry individuals. Each HLA-B allele group is associated with specific promoter sequences. This HLA-B variation resource may improve HLA imputation accuracy and disease-association studies and provide evolutionary insights regarding HLA-B genetic diversity in human populations.

Correlates of the incidence of disability and mortality among older adult Brazilians with and without diabetes mellitus and stroke.

BACKGROUND: The combined effect of diabetes and stroke on disability and mortality remains largely unexplored in Brazil and Latin America. Previous studies have been based primarily on data from developed countries. This study addresses the empirical gap by evaluating the combined impact of diabetes and stroke on disability and mortality in Brazil. METHODS: The sample was drawn from two waves of the Survey on Health and Well-being of the Elderly, which followed 2,143 older adults in São Paulo, Brazil, from 2000 to 2006. Disability was assessed via measures of activities of daily living (ADL) limitations, severe ADL limitations, and receiving assistance to perform these activities. Logistic and multinomial regression models controlling for sociodemographic and health conditions were used to address the influence of diabetes and stroke on disability and mortality. RESULTS: By itself, the presence of diabetes did not increase the risk of disability or the need for assistance; however, diabetes was related to increased risks when assessed in combination with stroke. After controlling for demographic, social and health conditions, individuals who had experienced stroke but not diabetes were 3.4 times more likely to have ADL limitations than those with neither condition (95% CI 2.26-5.04). This elevated risk more than doubled for those suffering from a combination of diabetes and stroke (OR 7.34, 95% CI 3.73-14.46). Similar effects from the combination of diabetes and stroke were observed for severe ADL limitations (OR 19.75, 95% CI 9.81- 39.76) and receiving ADL assistance (OR 16.57, 95% CI 8.39-32.73). Over time, older adults who had experienced a stroke were at higher risk of remaining disabled (RRR 4.28, 95% CI 1.53,11.95) and of mortality (RRR 3.42, 95% CI 1.65,7.09). However, risks were even higher for those who had experienced both diabetes and stroke. Diabetes was associated with higher mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that a combined history of stroke and diabetes has a great impact on disability prevalence and mortality among older adults in São Paulo, Brazil.

[Factors associated to the use of psychotropic drugs by community-dwelling elderly in São Paulo city]. / Fatores associados ao uso de psicotrópicos por idosos residentes no Município de São Paulo.

The objectives of study were to identify the prevalence and factors associated to the use of psychotropic drugs among elderly people in São Paulo city. It is a cross-sectional study. Data were used from the SABE survey (for Health, Well-being and Ageing). The sample was constituted of 1.115 elderly people, aging 65 and over, which were interviewed by standard method. In the data analysis, it was used univariate and multiple logistic regression, stepwise forward and level of significance of 5%. The prevalence of the use of psychotropic drugs of 12,2% and the factors associated were female gender (OR=3,04 IC95%= 1,76-5,23) and polypharmacy (OR=4,91 IC95%=2,74-8,79). The use of psychotropics drugs by the elderly must have their benefits and risks very well established. Elder women, especially those who were submitted to a polipharmacy, deserve special attention to adjust dosage and duration of the treatment, with the purpose of minimizing the adverse outcomes.

[Cross-cultural adaptation of the Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13): helping in the identification of vulnerable older people]. / Adaptação transcultural do Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13): contribuindo para a identificação de idosos vulneráveis.

To use the VES-13 a tool for identifying vulnerable older people cultural adaptation was performed, a process that seeks the equivalence between the original instrument and its version in another culture. The evaluation of semantic, idiomatic, cultural and conceptual equivalence obtained a general average agreement of 78%, 78%, 97.0% and 94.0% respectively. Kappa coefficient was used to verify the agreement in test-retest reliability, where variables were significant. The analysis of internal consistency was measured by using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, where 70% of the phenomenon under study are represented in the VES-13. The VES-13, translated and adapted, is a reliable instrument with respect to stability and internal consistency of their measurements. Its simple structure and easy to use may therefore contribute to the identification of vulnerable older people, thus contributing to the prioritization of monitoring health services.

[Factors associated with limitations in functional mobility in elderly in the city of São Paulo, Brazil: a comparative analysis of 15 years]. / Fatores associados à limitação da mobilidade funcional em idosos do Município de São Paulo, Brasil: análise comparativa ao longo de 15 anos.

The study aimed to analyze the prevalence of self-reported limitation of functional mobility and associated factors from 2000 to 2015 in elderly residing in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The analyses used data from the four waves (2000, 2006, 2010, and 2015) in the Health, Well-Being, and Aging Study (SABE). Regression models were conducted to analyze the demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and health-related characteristics of individuals associated with limitations of mobility in each wave of the study, and multilevel analysis was performed for comparison between the four waves. The results showed an increase in the prevalence of self-reported limitations in mobility, most evident in the year 2006. There was also an association between chronic health conditions such as history of stroke (PR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.29; 1.58, in 2000), presence of osteoarticular diseases (PR = 1.35; 95%CI: 1.23; 1.49, in 2015), and complaint of "backache" (PR = 1.33; 95%CI: 1.22; 1.45, in 2006), as well as with socioeconomic aspects such as insufficient income (PR = 1.17; 95%CI: 1.07; 1.28, in 2010). In a context of rapid population aging, these results provide relevant information for promoting public policies to prevent the decline in mobility in the elderly.

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a prevalência de limitação na mobilidade funcional autorreferida e os fatores associados no período entre os anos 2000 e 2015, em idosos residentes no Município de São Paulo, Brasil. Para as presentes análises foram utilizados os dados das quatro ondas (2000, 2006, 2010 e 2015) do Estudo Saúde, Bem Estar e Envelhecimento (SABE). Foram conduzidos modelos de regressão para analisar as características demográficas, socioeconômicas, comportamentais e relativas à saúde dos indivíduos associadas à limitação da mobilidade em cada onda do estudo, e análise multinível para a comparação entre as quatro ondas. Os resultados indicaram aumento nas prevalências de limitações na mobilidade autorreferida, mais evidente no ano de 2006. Foi observado, ainda, associação com condições crônicas de saúde, como a história de AVC (RP = 1,43; IC95%: 1,29; 1,58, em 2000), a presença de doenças osteoarticulares (RP = 1,35; IC95%: 1,23; 1,49, em 2015), e a queixa de "dor nas costas" (RP = 1,33; IC95%: 1,22; 1,45, em 2006), bem como com aspectos socioeconômicos, como a renda insuficiente (RP = 1,17; IC95%: 1,07; 1,28, em 2010). Em um contexto de envelhecimento populacional acelerado, esses resultados trazem informações relevantes para a promoção de políticas públicas voltadas à prevenção de declínio da mobilidade em pessoas idosas.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la prevalencia de limitación en la movilidad funcional autoinformada y sus factores asociados durante el período entre los años 2000 y 2015, en ancianos residentes en el Municipio de São Paulo, Brasil. Para los análisis actuales se utilizaron los datos de cuatro oleadas (2000, 2006, 2010 y 2015) del Estudio Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento (SABE). Se aplicaron modelos de regresión para analizar las características demográficas, socioeconómicas, comportamentales y relativas a la salud de los individuos, asociadas a la limitación de la movilidad en cada oleada del estudio, y un análisis multinivel para la comparación entre las 4 oleadas. Los resultados indicaron un aumento en las prevalencias de limitaciones respecto a la movilidad autoinformada, pero fue evidente en el año 2006. Se observó, incluso, una asociación con las condiciones crónicas de salud, como un historial de ACV (RP = 1,43; IC95%: 1,29; 1,58, en 2000), la presencia de enfermedades osteoarticulares (RP = 1,35; IC95%: 1,23; 1,49, en 2015), y la queja de "dolor de espalda" (RP = 1,33; IC95%: 1,22; 1,45, en 2006), así como con aspectos socioeconómicos, como la renta insuficiente (RP = 1,17; IC95%: 1,07; 1,28, en 2010). En un contexto de envejecimiento poblacional acelerado, esos resultados presentan información relevante para la promoción de políticas públicas dirigidas a la prevención del declive de la movilidad en personas ancianas.

Association between low level of physical activity and mobility limitation in older adults: evidence from the SABE study.

Several studies are limited by verifying the level of physical activity with questionnaires and not through objective measurement in older adults. This article aims to analyze the association between a low level of physical activity with accelerometry) and mobility limitation in older adults. A population-based cross-sectional study conducted with 543 older adults. Multiple regression analysis was performed using hierarchical analysis, grouping the variables into two blocks ordered according to the precedence with which they acted on the outcomes. Among the evaluated older adults, 13.7% presented mobility limitations and among these 60.39% were in the low level of physical activity group. Older adults with a low level of physical activity (OR = 3.49 [2.0 - 6.13]), aged 75 and over (OR = 1.97 [1.03 - 3.72]), living without a partner (OR = 2.01 [1.09 - 3.68]), having difficulty performing basic (OR = 2.49 [1.45 - 4.28]) and instrumental (OR = 2.28) [1.18 - 4.36]) activities of daily life, and multimorbidity (OR = 2.06 [1.04 - 4.08]) were independently associated with mobility limitation. A low level of physical activity increases the chance of mobility limitation in older adults, regardless of sociodemographic and clinical variables.

Difficulties in accessing health services among the elderly in the city of São Paulo-Brazil.

To identify difficulties in accessing health services by the elderly in the city of São Paulo/Brazil and the contributory factors that reflect inequalities. This is a cross-sectional study that used data from the Health, Well-being and Aging Study (SABE). The population is composed of elderly ≥ 60 years old, of both sexes, living in the urban area of São Paulo. For this analysis, we used data from the 2015 cohort of the SABE study, containing a sample of 1,221 individuals. The proportions of access difficulty and, through logistic regression, the associated factors were verified, based on Andersen's Behavioral Model, which considers factors of predisposition, enabling and need as individual determinants of access to health care. It was observed that 37.0% of the elderly reported difficulty accessing health services when they needed it. This difficulty was greatest among females (42.3%), aged 60 to 69 years (40.9%), black race/color (58.8%), illiterate (44.5%), single/separated/divorced (44.3%), with income slower than one salary minimum (46.8%), without health insurance (51.9%), with poor/very poor self-assessment of health (54.7%), with multimorbidity (40.1%), frail (47.2%) and among those who used polypharmacy (40.8%). After multivariate analysis, in the final model, there was a positive association between difficulty of access and predisposing factors (female gender, age group 60 to 69 years, black race/color, illiterate), enabling factors (possession of health insurance) and need factors (regular and poor/very poor self-assessment of health and pre-fragility and frailty condition). The presence of difficulty in access associated with predisposing, enabling and need factors reflect the existence of inequalities caused by barriers that point to weaknesses in the organization of services. The identification of these barriers that hinder access highlights important points that can have an impact on the equity and resolution of care.

Factors associated with body mass index changes among older adults: a ten-year follow-up.

To examine changes in body mass index (BMI) among older Brazilian adults and associated factors. Longitudinal, population-based study, conducted in São Paulo, Brazil. Adults aged 60 years or over (n = 1,796) from the first wave of data collection from the Health, Well-Being, and Aging Study (SABE Project) conducted from 2000 to 2010. Repeated mixed-effects linear regression was used to analyze longitudinal changes in BMI and to examine whether sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, and social behaviors were associated with these changes. Mean BMI decreased after 70 years. Men had lower BMI than women (ß = -1.86, 95%CI: -2.35; -1.37). Older adults who consumed alcohol (ß = 0.30, 95%CI: 0.06; 0.54), had more than one chronic disease (ß = 0.19, 95%CI: 0.26; 0.72) and who did not perform physical activity (ß = 0.56, 95%CI: 0.38; 0.74) had higher BMI. Subjects who smoked (ß = -0.40, 95%CI: -0.76; -0.04) and who reported having eaten less food in recent months (ß = -0.48, 95%CI: -0.71; -0.24) had lower BMI. In older Brazilians, several sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, and behaviors predict BMI. Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and growing sedentary behaviors in Brazil may have detrimental effects on BMI at older ages.

Accuracy of different handgrip values to identify mobility limitation in older adults.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Mobility limitation is commonly the first sign of impaired physical function and predisposes older adults to disability. Moreover, recent epidemiological studies have classified neuromuscular strength as the best explanator of mobility limitation. However, existing cutoffs have not been adequately analyzed regarding accuracy. Therefore, our aims were to define and compare the accuracy of different cutoff points of handgrip strength for the identification of mobility limitation. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 5783 participants from the SABE (Saúde, Bem-Estar e Envelhecimento [Health, Wellbeing and Aging]) and ELSA (English Longitudinal Study of Ageing) cohorts aged 60 years or older. Handgrip strength was measured using a dynamometer. Walking speed <0.8 m/s was considered mobility limitation. Receiver operating characteristic curves and probabilities of presenting mobility limitation were calculated. RESULTS: Handgrip strength <32 kg for men and <21 kg for women demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy for mobility limitation, with 49.1% sensitivity and 79.8% specificity for men and 58.6% sensitivity and 72.9% specificity for women. The fully adjusted models had an area under the curve of 0.82 for men and 0.83 for women, with odds of presenting mobility limitation of 1.88 [95% CI: 1.50 - 2.37] for men and 1.89 [95% CI: 1.57 - 2.27] for women. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study support the accuracy of handgrip strength as a clinical marker of mobility limitation. Furthermore, manual dynamometry is easily incorporated into clinical practice, has a good cost-benefit, besides being a simple, valid, reliable and effective method for use in both the scientific community and outpatient practice.

Socioeconomic Factors and Health Status Disparities Associated with Difficulty in ADLs and IADLs among Long-Lived Populations in Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between socioeconomic factors, health status, and Functional Capacity (FC) in the oldest senior citizens in a metropolis and a poor rural region of Brazil. METHOD: Cross-sectional study of 417 seniors aged ≥80 years, data collected through Brazil's Health, Well-being and Aging survey. FC assessed by self-reporting of difficulties in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using "R" statistical software. RESULTS: Socioeconomic and demographic inequalities in Brazil can influence FC in seniors aged 80 years and older. Comparatively, urban long-lived people had a higher prevalence of difficulties for ADLs and rural ones showed more difficulties for IADLs. Among urban oldest seniors, female gender and lower-income were correlated with difficulties for IADLs. Among rural oldest seniors, female gender, stroke, joint disease, and inadequate weight independently were correlated with difficulties for ADLs, while the number of chronic diseases was associated with difficulties for IADLs. CONCLUSION: Financial constraints may favor the development of functional limitations among older seniors in large urban centers. In poor rural areas, inadequate nutritional status and chronic diseases may increase their susceptibility to functional decline.

Metabolic syndrome: physical inactivity and socioeconomic inequalities among non-institutionalized Brazilian elderly. / Síndrome metabólica: inatividade física e desigualdades socioeconômicas entre idosos brasileiros não institucionalizados.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the association between Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), physical activity and socioeconomic conditions among non-institutionalized elderly individuals. METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional study with, elderly individuals (≥ 60) living in the city of São Paulo. MetS was evaluated by means of the National Cholesterol Education Program criteria, the Adult Treatment Panel III. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed, followed by multiple logistic regression with a 5% significance level. An attributable fraction (AF) and a proportional attributable fraction (PAF) were calculated in relation to physical activity. The magnitude of the socioeconomic inequalities was evaluated using the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and the Relative Index of Inequality (RII). RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS was 40.1%, and 23.3% of the individuals had at least one MetS' component. Physically inactive elderly had higher chances of having MetS. The prevalence of MetS was higher among those with lower education levels in both absolute and relative terms. AF and PAF were significant among the inactive individuals and for the total population. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that physical activity and schooling are significantly associated with MetS, highlighting the importance of these factors for the control of this syndrome.

[Violence perpetrated against the elderly and health-related quality of life: a populational study in the city of São Paulo, Brazil]. / Violência contra idosos e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde: estudo populacional no município de São Paulo, Brasil.

The scope of this work was to identify the prevalence of domestic violence against non-institutionalized elderly individuals, and to establish if violence is an independent factor associated with the Physical Component (PC) and Mental Component (MC) scores of the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) of these elderly individuals. It is a cross-sectional epidemiologic and population-based investigation that is part of the SABE (Wellbeing, Health and Aging) study. A sample of 1,126 elderly individuals filled out the Short-Form 12 (SF-12) Health Survey, namely a generic instrument that assesses HRQOL through the Physical and Mental components. The prevalence of domestic violence against of the elderly was 10% (CI 95% 9.1-13.6). In the multiple analyses, violence against the elderly was significantly associated to the MC (ß = -3.03; p = 0.000) and to the PC (ß = -1.69; p = 0.017) of HRQOL, independently of the sociodemographic, health, family support, and functional incapacity covariables. The prevalence of domestic violence was high and compromised the physical and mental health of the elderly.

Objetivou-se identificar a prevalência da violência doméstica contra idosos não institucionalizados e verificar se esta é um fator independente associado aos Componentes Físico (CF) e Mental (CM) da Qualidade de Vida Relacionada à Saúde (QVRS) desses idosos. É um estudo epidemiológico transversal e de base populacional integrante do Estudo SABE (Saúde, Bem-Estar e Envelhecimento). A amostra foi de 1.126 idosos que responderam ao Short-Form 12 Health Related Survey (SF-12), instrumento genérico que avalia a QVRS em seus CF e CM. A prevalência da violência doméstica contra idosos foi de 10% (IC 95% 9,1 - 13,6). Na análise múltipla, a violência contra idosos permaneceu significativamente associada ao CM (ß = -3,03; p = 0,000) e ao CF (ß = -1,69; p = 0,017) da QVRS, independente de covariáveis sociodemográficas, de saúde, de apoio familiar e de incapacidade funcional. A prevalência da violência doméstica foi elevada e comprometeu a saúde física e mental dos idosos.