Income inequality and functional capacity of the elderly in a city in Southeastern Brazil.

The broad inequality detected among income stratum regarding the functional capability for the IADLs and abandonment of the AADLs emphasize the importance of fully implementing and maintaining the policies and programs directed toward the social protection of elderly adults. The focus should be on the most socially vulnerable segments, with the aim of achieving a population that is more equal, active, independent, and involved in participatory ageing.