Perfis de envelhecimento em idosos: uma análise de clusters

Abstract

Rapid population aging poses increasing challenges to health systems, particularly due to the rising prevalence of chronic conditions, changes in body composition, and declines in functional capacity. In this context, this dissertation aimed to identify health profiles among community-dwelling older adults by exploring indicators of physical, mental, nutritional, and functional health. This was an observational, cross-sectional study conducted with 197 older adults (≥60 years), in which sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle data were collected, along with assessments of dietary intake, sleep quality, body composition, muscle strength, mobility, depressive symptoms, and risk of sarcopenia, using validated instruments and methods Data analysis was conducted using cluster analysis based on the k-means method, enabling the identification of patterns and the grouping of individuals with distinct characteristics. In the first article, three groups were identified: one profile characterized by better sleep quality, higher fat-free mass, and superior physical performance; a second profile marked by poorer sleep quality, a greater presence of depressive symptoms, and lower gait speed; and a third profile presenting a higher risk of sarcopenia, smaller calf circumference, lower fat-free mass, and worse functional indicators, reflecting greater vulnerability to frailty. In the second article, two clusters were primarily differentiated by socioeconomic status and dietary patterns. The group with higher education and income demonstrated greater consumption of energy-dense foods, sweets, and ultra-processed products, as well as higher fat-free mass and greater handgrip strength. In contrast, the more socially vulnerable group showed higher relative adiposity and lower muscular performance. Taken together, the findings demonstrate that aging is a heterogeneous phenomenon resulting from the interaction of biological, behavioral, and social factors, highlighting the role of sleep, diet, and socioeconomic conditions in the preservation of functional capacity. The identification of these profiles reinforces the importance of multidimensional approaches in the assessment and care of older adults, supporting more targeted interventions and strategies to promote healthy aging.