Resumen

DIAZ GARRIDO, Dayamí et al. Prevalence of physical disability in the elderly from Granma province. Rev Cubana Med Gen Integr [online]. 2007, vol.23, n.2. ISSN 0864-2125.

The population aging has acquired importance in the international scientific community, whereas physical disability has become a common health problem in the third age. A descriptive study was undertaken to calculate the prevalence of physical disability in the elderly from Granma province, in 2004. 688 aged persons were selected by multiphasic stratified sampling. The information was collected by the Mini Mental State Examination, Lawton's index , and a survey with biological, psychological and social variables. The point estimation and the estimation by intervals of rates and pecentages were made. It was observed a physical disability of 36.6 % with CI 31.6-41.7. The main limitations in the daily life activities were the capacity to go shopping and transportation. It was concluded that the activities demanding higher mobility of the elderly were the most frequently observed.

Palabras clave : Elderly's health; prevalence; quality of life; disabled persons.