Objective :to analyze the factors associated with hospitalization among the Brazilian elderly based on multidimensional methodology. Method: a cross-sectional, quantitative study was performed with data from the National Health Survey (2013) population-based study. The sample was composed of 23,815 individuals over the age of 60 years. Hospitalization was considered the outcome variable and 53 independent variables were included, relating to: sociodemographic characteristics; limitations and illness; difficulties in performing basic and instrumental activities of daily living; use of health services and medical emergencies. Results: it was found that 10% of the elderly were hospitalized in the previous year. This event was related to: a negative self-perception of health (OR = 1.35); stopping performing any of their usual activities due to health reasons (OR = 2.14); difficulty going to the doctor (OR = 1.65) or walking alone (OR = 1.55); a recent search for a site, service or health professional for health-related care (OR = 1.47); increased frequency of annual medical visits (OR = 2.93) and household emergency (OR = 5.40). Conclusion: the results reinforce the fact that multiple factors are associated with the hospitalization of the elderly. The analysis of these associations has the potential to make health professionals and administrators aware of the need to improve health care for the elderly and to assist in the organization and planning of the actions of the entire health service network.

Objective:investigating the association between frailty syndrome and sociodemographic characteristics in long-lived individuals of a community. Method:a cross-sectional study with a proportional stratified sample consisting of 243 long-lived individuals. A structured instrument, scales and tests that comprise evaluating frailty were applied for data collection. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed by logistic regression (p<0.05) by Statistica 10(r) software and Odds Ratio (95% Confidence Interval) were calculated for the predictive models. Results:of the 243 long-lived individuals evaluated, 36 (14.8%) were frail, 55 (63.8%) were pre-frail and 52 (21.4%) were not frail. A predominance of females (n=161; 66.3%), widows/widowers (n=158; 65%), who lived with family members (n=144; 59.3%) and in a self-reported satisfactory financial situation (n=108; 44.5%) was observed. A significant association was found between the demographic variable of age (p=0.043) and frailty syndrome. The best predictor model for the syndrome included the variables: gender, age and household companion. Conclusion:the variable of age contributed most to the fragilization process of long-lived individuals residing in the community. It is essential that gerontological nursing care contemplates early detection of this syndrome, considering age as being indicative of care needs.

Objective: to investigate the association between physical frailty and cognitive scores in older adults at an Open Universityof the Third Age in Southern Brazil. Methods: descriptive cross-sectional study with convenience sample comprising 100elderly, conducted from March to June 2013. For cognitive assessment, we applied the Mini Mental State Examination andthe Edmonton Frail Scale. Results: there was a predominance of females (93%), with a mean age of 65.6 years. 81% ofthe participants were classified as non-frail, 16% as apparently vulnerable to frailty, and 3% as mild frailty. There was asignificant association between cognitive performance and frailty (p<0.006). Conclusion: the research on the associationbetween physical frailty and cognitive scores in older people promotes the construction of gerontological care plans aimedat managing this syndrome.

Objective:to present a physical frailty prediction model for oldest old users of primary health care, according to clinical variables. Method:cross-sectional study with proportional stratified sample of 243 oldest old subjects. Data were collected through a structured clinical questionnaire, handgrip strength test, walking speed, weight loss, fatigue/exhaustion, and physical activity level. For the analysis of the data, univariate and multivariate analysis by logistic regression were used (p<0.05), which resulted in prediction models. The odds ratios (95% Confidence Interval) of the models were calculated. Each model was evaluated by deviance analysis, likelihood ratios, specificity and sensitivity, considering the most adequate. All ethical and legal precepts were followed. Results:the prediction model elected was composed of metabolic diseases, dyslipidemias and hospitalization in the last 12 months. Conclusion:clinical variables interfere in the development of the physical frailty syndrome in oldest old users of basic health unit. The choice of a physical frailty regression model is the first step in the elaboration of clinical methods to evaluate the oldest old in primary care.

Objective:To investigate the socioeconomic and clinical factors that contribute to the functional independence of the oldest old of a community. Method: Cross-sectional quantitative study whose sample consisted of 214 elderly people registered in Basic Health Units. Data were collected through structured interviews and application of the Functional Independence Measure. We used descriptive statistics, and for association of the variables we used the Student t-test, ANOVA and Tukey's test for multiple comparisons. Results: The significant variables that contributed to the functional independence were remaining economically active, practicing physical and leisure activities, having a social life, eating fruits, vegetables and meat. The orientation to conduct these practices reduces the demand for care and help needed in everyday activities. Conclusion: Maintaining independence is primordial to delay disability and presents itself as an excellent field of work for nursing.