Positive Psychology Interventions for elderly in Brazil

Abstract

Research on intervention programmes aiming to work strengths/virtues for health promotion of the elderly/retirees is still scarce in Brazil. The objectives of this systematic review are to identify: strengths/virtues worked in multicomponent programmes for health promotion of the elderly/retirees in Brazil; methodological quality criteria; and results of these interventions. SCIELO, BIREME, Pepsic, PsychInfo and Medline databases were searched for empirical articles (2000-2017). Out of 445 studies, nine were included in the review. The main strengths worked on in the interventions were Social/Emotional Intelligence, Self-regulation/self-control, Prudence/self-care, Creativity, and Enthusiasm/Vitality. All studies presented favourable effects for primary outcome measures, and two for secondary outcome measures. Lack of systematic criteria for programme evaluation was detected. Findings are discussed as to their relevance for future intervention designs, policies and services for health promotion.