Functional Capacity of Institutionalized Older People and Their Quality of Life, Depressive Symptoms and Feelings of Loneliness: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The increasing number of institutionalized older individuals worldwide stresses the need to evaluate the association between the functional profile of institutionalized older adults and their quality of life (QoL), depressive symptoms and feelings of loneliness.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 19 residential facilities in Alentejo, Portugal. Between March and September 2023, all individuals aged ≥65 years were invited to complete a structured questionnaire (n = 1303). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and validated scales for the Portuguese older population were used. Linear regression and unconditional binary logistic models were computed.

Results: The highest level of dependence was observed in the self-care dimension (mean (SD) = 2.93 (1.21)), with 40% of participants exhibiting levels of dependence requiring daily care or total replacement. QoL was inversely associated with functionality in all dimensions, as well as with severe or complete dependence, even after adjusting for sex, age and education. Participants with depressive symptoms and feelings of loneliness were, respectively, three and two times more likely to be dependent on care (adjusted OR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.80-7.52; adjusted OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.07-3.87).

Conclusions: Public policies and interventions should include social and emotional support strategies alongside traditional medical interventions.