Objectives:: to assess the predictors for the functional incapacity of the elderly in primary health care.
Method:: cross-sectional study, of which 388 older people participated, conducted in three Primary health care Units, using the Katz index and Lawton's scale. The research project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee.
Results:: regarding the degree of dependency for Basic Activities, 90.2% were less independent for dressing themselves; and for Instrumental Activities, 77.1% of the elderly were less independent for doing handwork. The functional incapacity for basic activities was associated with age and color; for instrumental activities, with age, education, income of the elderly and self-assessment of health.
Conclusion:: attention should be paid to the overall assessment of the elderly person, in order to tailor care plans geared towards the preservation of their autonomy and the promotion of active ageing.