Mental health promotion and protection actions aimed at the elderly in the context of primary health care: an integrative review

Abstract

The increase in the elderly population requires rethinking the organization of society, especially health services. The aim was to analyze actions aimed at promoting and protecting the mental health of the elderly in the context of primary health care, through an integrative review. The databases used were: Lilacs, Scopus, IBECS, Medline, CINAHL, BDENF and Index Psicologia. The descriptors used were “elderly”, “health promotion”, “mental health” and “primary health care”. The final sample included 15 articles. The results indicate that group actions contribute to the reduction of depressive symptoms; health education in the perspective of active learning, aiming at health literacy and memory workshop strengthening spaces for socialization. Matrix support is highlighted as an indispensable tool for new mental health practices. We conclude that the moment is right for expanding the scope of actions offered to the elderly in psychological distress. Efforts have been detected in the production of care aiming at integrality, which is still incipient.