[International classification of functioning, disability and health: use in nursing care for the elderly].

The objective was to reflect on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and its use in nursing care for the elderly. It was conducted a brief history of the Classification; it was addressed the functional assessment of the elderly and importance to the proper planning to care actions; and it was showed the applicability of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health by nurses. The classification is able to direct the functional assessment of the elderly, by the nurses, making the integral, realizing this human being as having a body, with needs to perform activities and participation, and belonging to a context /environment.