Objective
To verify whether there is a connection between the functional capacity of the elderly and the presence of violent situations in their daily lives.
Methods
A population-based cross-sectional study developed with 237 elderly individuals. Standard and validated research instruments were used.
Results
Mean age of 70.25 years (standard deviation of 6.94), 69% were female, 76% were independent in basic activities of daily living and 54% had a partial dependence on at least one instrumental activity. The most prevalent violence was psychological and the relation between being dependent on basic activities of daily living and suffering physical violence was statistically significant.
Conclusion
When the elderly needs assistance to perform self-care activities, there is a greater chance of exposure to a situation of abuse, such as physical violence.
Geriatrics nursing; Nursing care; Activities of daily living; Elder abuse; Violence