O envelhecimento pela ótica de residentes em instituições de longa permanência para idosos

Abstract

The society lives the phenomenon of population aging, consequently, it is necessary to adapt to profound changes in social, economic and cultural issues. Responsibility for the elderly is attributed fundamentally to the family, but family members often find themselves unable to pay necessary attention and care to their elderly, opting for the institutionalization. This study aimed to characterize the elderly living in four long-term care institutions for the elderly (ILPIs) in the cities of Juiz de Fora/MG and São Paulo/SP (two private and two philanthropic), and describe their cognitive and functional conditions, as well as their representations of aging and their institutionalization. The research was established as an exploratory study with quantitative and qualitative approach. Quantitative data were obtained through the survey and analysis of demographic data, and application of tests: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the instrument of Lawton-Brody. To obtain qualitative data was used semi-structured interview with open questions about aging. The sample consisted of 130 institutionalized elderly of both sexes, of private and philanthropic institutions. In particular ILPIs the average age was 83,51 (SD = 9,36) years, mostly female (76%) and widowers (66,7%). In philanthropics average age was 75,38 (SD = 8,44) and 56,4% male and 43,6% were single. Concerning the elderly cognitive ability of private institutions were less affected than those of philanthropic ones ILPIs. The functional capacity in the private and philanthropic institutions, the number of independent elderly was higher than the dependent. The text resulting from the full transcription of the interviews were subjected to content analysis which appointed that aging was perceived as positive or synonymous of decadence and losses in the four ILPIs researched. It was common for elderly people showing few positive aspects in the aging process, but by highlighting these issues they used to perceive aging as a natural process of the human being circle of life that should be experienced without bitterness. With respect to aging in an institution the participants pointed negative and positive points, how they feel in a safe place, to have the company of others and not be alone at home, but some elderly people said they want to return to their home. Regarding the place to grow old 59,23% of the total respondents, in both institutions, reported that ILPI they lived was the best place to grow old. The institutions are still so prejudiced views, but these are not always leave the place where old age and neglect. From the accounts given, it was observed that, for the elderly, the perception of aging appears as a process of constant losses, bringing the feeling of not being able to live their potential and fully relate to the future. However, although the aging processes is still linked to the ideas of decline of vital functions and death, it was noted the importance of not reducing the aging to homogenization, because those who perceive the aging in a natural way, as another stage of life.