[The physical functionality of institutionalized and non-institutionalized older people in Barranquilla, Colombia].

OBJECTIVE Determining the physical functionality of institutionalised elderly people living in Barranquilla, Colombia MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive study was designed for use with 469 elderly people (214 residents living in geriatric households and 255 members of the geriatric club/group). Physical functionality was evaluated in terms of dependence or independence regarding basic activities using the Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living and the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL) for instrumental activities. RESULTS 73.6 % of the elderly were female and 26.4 % male; their mean age was 76 years (SD=8.9). There was a risk of greater functional dependence in carrying out basic daily life activities when elderly people had a medical history [OR 3.0 (2.0-4.5 CI)], were institutionalised [OR 87.5 (12.0-1,789.9 CI)] and walked/wandered or moved with help/support [OR 19.4 (19.8-35.1 CI)]. Risks of dependence concerning instrumental activities in daily living was higher amongst those living in a geriatric home [OR 77.8 (28.6-224.3 CI)] and moving around with help/support [OR 7.1 (3.5-14.5 CI)]. CONCLUSIONS Elderly functionality was related to place of residence, reliance on aid or support when walking/wandering around and having a medical history.