Functionality of the Elderly at Home in a Situation of Frailty | Functional Capacity of the Elderly in Home Physiotherapy Programs in the Public and Private Sectors in Northeast Brazil

The growth of the elderly population is a worldwide phenomenon and one of the biggest challenges for public health, especially in developing countries like Brazil. Relevant changes in the morbidity and mortality situation in this country are noticeable and can affect functionality, leading to a loss of autonomy and independence. Thus, evaluation studies that provide information on the specific characteristics of the elderly in terms of their ability to perform the Basic Activities of Daily Living are essential for structuring prevention programs and making therapeutic decisions. This book invites readers in the field of Geriatrics and Gerontology to reflect on the clinical-functional profile of frail elderly people treated in Physiotherapy Programs in the home environment of the public and private sectors in the Northeast of Brazil. There was a greater degree of dependency among the elderly in the private sector compared to the elderly in the public sector. This demonstrates the importance of prolonging and improving the quality of life of the elderly by expanding home-based programs with interdisciplinary care for this age group.