Entre recordação e redefinições: um olhar sobre as repercussões do luto conjugal na velhice

Abstract

In recent decades, Brazil has experienceda demographic transition that has been modifying the age structure of the population due to the reduction in birth rates and the increase in life expectancy. This fact directly impacts the health of the elderly, since old age is understood as a set of changes, whether physiological or social, and which can sometimes cause harm to the well-being of this population, with important losses in their lives. One of the strategies to give new meaning to these losses is sharing with the spouse, who represents security, companionship and love, being a peer who understands the feelings and anguish of the elderly person. However, when an elderly person loses their spouse, it becomes a moment of great vulnerability, as in addition to dealing with grief, they will also need to live with their new marital status, which brings with it countless responsibilities. Marital grief directly impacts the social and personal relationships of the elderly, making it necessary to seek strategies that develop their autonomy. Thus, this study aims to understand the repercussions of marital grief on the experience of old age. To this end, descriptive, exploratory research with a qualitative approach was carried out, based on the theoretical assumptions of Health Promotion. It included the participation of 16 elderly people who experienced marital grief after old age, living in the southern region of Brazil. Study participants were selected using the “snowball” method. Data collection was carried out through interviews that took place in person and virtually, using a semi-structured script. To organize and analyze the data, thematic content analysis was used. With this research it was possible to understand the process of marital mourning, coping strategies, the importance of the support network and the influence of the relationship's previous history on the way in which mourning is processed, making it possible for nurses to rethink their professional approaches to minimize the damage resulting from the loss of a spouse in old age, thus being able to promote health and qualify assistance for this public.