Factors associated with balance disorders of elderly living in the city of São Paulo in 2006: evidence of the Health, Well-being and Aging (SABE) Study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influence of demographic, health condition, and lifestyle factors on body balance disorders among elderly subjects living in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, in 2006.

METHODS: Thestudy was developed based on information provided by the Health, Well-being, and Aging (SABE) Study. Itincluded 60-year-old subjects, both men and women, or those over this age. The sample comprised 1,226 subjects that represented 930,639 elderly subjects. The dependent variable was the elderly's body balance disorder, which was measured using part of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). The independent variables were divided into three groups: demographic, health conditions, and lifestyle. The multiple binary logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate the association between balance disorders and demographic, health, and lifestyle variables in the elderly.

RESULTS: Age, difficulties in at least one mobility, and performance of regular physical activities showed a significant influence on the elderly's body balance (p < 0.05). Age was the strongest related determiner. Being aged 75-79 years and 80 years or more increased 3.77 and 5.31 times, respectively, the chances of the elderly subjects present balance disorders in comparison with the 60- to 64-years-old.

CONCLUSION: Preventive measures that aim at reversing a body instability condition should be preconized and incorporated in the elderly's health-care schedule.