The dependence of elderly institutionalized is a matter of quality of life. Medelli n, 2008

Aim: To analyze the functional capacity of elderly residing in the Homes for the Aged registered with the Social Welfare Department of Medellin, in 2008, to anticipate conditions of partial or total dependence. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study, which addressed some characteristics related to the functional capacity of 273 institutionalized elderly in 37 social welfare centers, with the authorization of their legal representative, with primary source of information collected in a survey and implemented by professional health. The information analysis was univariate and bivariate analysis, was development in STATA 10.0. Results: In general, older adults are independent to perform basic daily activities like taking food, grooming, brushing teeth, using the toilet, dressing, bathing, spend two hours sitting, getting in and out of bed, walking cross a room, over 80% of cases. Are dependent for going out, getting into a car, kneel or crouch, climb ladders and pushing objects more than 30% of cases. Orthopedic aids require institutionalized elderly respondents are mainly young, glasses, cane and wheelchair, the old and live longer require glasses, cane, walker, and centenarian first step required in the stick and then the glasses. Conclusions: The dependence of institutionalized older adults is a matter of quality of life. Medellin, 2008