Temporal analysis of the functional status of older people in the state of Paraíba, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the profile and the functional status of older people living in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, from a temporal perspective.

METHOD: This was a descriptive study with secondary analysis of data from the Health Indicator and Aging Policy Monitoring system (SISAP-Idoso - Sistema de Indicadores de Saúde e Acompanhamento de Políticas do Idoso) between 2000 and 2010.

RESULTS: Over the analyzed period, there was a growth of older women, people older than 85 years, residents of urban areas, older people who live alone and who are not responsible for the household. There was also a decrease of illiterate older people, with monthly income of up to one minimum wage and in poverty situations. Concerning the functional status, the proportion of older people who reported any permanent mental, motor, visual or hearing disabilities has increased.

CONCLUSION: We suggest that the assistance must be directed towards environmental variables that can influence the functional state, such as illiteracy, low income and disabilities that contribute to the weakening of older people and must be overcome.