Perfil sociodemográfico, cognitivo, funcional e emocional de pessoas idosas residentes em duas instituições de longa permanência de Aracaju- SE

Abstract

Introduction: Population aging has intensified worldwide, making attention to the characteristics and needs of older adults essential. In this context, Long-Term Care Institutions for Older Adults (LTCIs) have become established as a care alternative, offering collective support, social assistance, and health care. Objective: To describe the sociodemographic, functional, cognitive, and emotional profile of institutionalized older adults living in Long-Term Care Institutions for Older Adults (LTCIs) in the municipality of Aracaju, Sergipe. Method: This is an observational, cross-sectional study conducted in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist guidelines. The sample consisted of 35 older adults residing in two philanthropic LTCIs located in Aracaju, Sergipe. Data collection took place between August and October 2025. Sociodemographic data were obtained through an assessment form, and cognitive, functional, emotional, and physical assessments were performed using the following instruments: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Timed Up and Go (TUG), WHOQOL-OLD, WHODAS, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Subjective Well-Being Scale, Spiritual/Religious Coping Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, sit-to-stand test, verbal fluency test, and six-minute walk test. Descriptive statistical analysis, the Shapiro–Wilk test, and Fisher’s exact test were performed to characterize the sample, compare variables, and explore associations among the applied instruments. Results: The majority of the sample was female (76.5%), aged between 63 and 94 years. Length of institutionalization ranged from three months to 16 years, and the predominant level of education was completed elementary education (31.4%). All participants had at least one chronic condition, with arterial hypertension (79.4%) and diabetes mellitus (38.2%) being the most prevalent. The mean scores were: MMSE (17.7±5.0), GDS-15 (5.2±2.9), Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (7.3±6.9), FIM (109.5±25.0), and TUG (38.1±44.4). Conclusion: The characterization of this population highlights the coexistence of multiple chronic conditions, emotional symptoms, varying levels of functional dependence, and cognitive frailties, which together influence the life experiences and care needs of institutionalized older adults. It is concluded that care in LTCIs should be structured based on a comprehensive and transdisciplinary approach, including cognitive stimulation, regular physical activity, emotional support, strengthening of social bonds, and actions that promote meaning and purpose in residents’ daily lives, aiming to ensure a dignified, active, and humanized aging process.