OBJECTIVE: To describe the actions of the universal self-care in institutionalized elderly focusing on health promotion. METHODS: Quantitative, exploratory and descriptive study carried out in a long-term institution in Fortaleza-CE, with 170 elderly. Data were collected from February to June 2010, through interviews using a structured questionnaire from the requirements of the universal self-care of Orem. RESULTS: 65.8% (112) of the elderly were aged 60-79 years, 54.1% (92) were female, 28.9% (49) were widowed, 64.8% (110) had education up to primary school and 44.2% (75) had monthly income less than minimum wage. Some older neglected in some aspects of self-care with regard to oxygen, moisture, and health promotion activities. This lack of self-care may be associated with physical limitations inherent in the life cycle, the knowledge deficit and the low purchasing power. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to develop activities for leisure and exercise in this population, since these actions are considered important for health promotion and social interaction.
Aged; Self Care; Nursing; Geriatrics