La percepción del envejecer en una población de ancianos

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the meaning attributed to the aging process by the elderly of a basic health unit. Qualitative, analytical and cross-sectional study, realized in a charity house in the Metropolitan region of the Rio Grande do Norte / Brazil. The sample was composed by 35 elderly and the data collection was between August and December 2014 through semi-structured interview and analyzed according to the Bardin method. Elderly reported that aging is characterized as a burden, moment of solitude and predisposition to disease. Other researched have revealed contentment and welfare notable and hope as to respective epoch lived, acknowledgment for the privilege to reach the advanced age. It is concluded that to improve the quality of life of older people, it is necessary to promote integration between them and the permanency institution as a way to encourage coexistence and social interaction. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]