Ganhos e perdas na velhice: percepções de enfermeiros da atenção primária à saúde

Abstract

The life expectancy of the world population is increasing, as evidenced by the change in the age pyramid, which makes aging an important issue to be discussed in the context of health and society. During the experience of old age, losses and gains arise throughout this process, which can impact the quality and way of life of the oldest old. In this sense, the need for assistance aimed at this public is evident, with action to promote health and encourage the autonomy of the elderly. This study aims to understand how Primary Health Care nurses perceive assistance to elderly people in light of the gains and losses experienced in old age. This is a descriptive, exploratory study, with a qualitative approach, based on the theoretical assumptions of Health Promotion. It involved the participation of 10 nurses working in Primary Health Care, living in the Southern region of Brazil, chosen through the “ snowball". To collect data, interviews were carried out in person and via video call via an instant messaging application, between April and May 2023, with the help of a script containing questions that addressed the proposed theme. Data analysis and structuring occurred through content analysis. After analyzing the data, to present the results, it was decided to prepare two manuscripts. In the first, entitled Repercussions of gains and losses in old age: perspectives of Primary Health Care nurses, three categories emerged: 1) Gains experienced during aging; 2) Losses experienced during old age; and 3) Impacts generated by gains and losses in the experience of old age; and in the second, Nursing care for the gains and losses of old age: perceptions of Primary Care nurses, two categories emerged: Nursing strategies for the gains and losses of aging. Challenges for assistance in PHC. Among the gains mentioned are maturity, time and respect. While the losses are physiological, social, family and financial. Both cases can have a significant impact on the health and way of life of the elderly population, whether in emotional terms, quality of life or beliefs and spirituality. In any case, there are different strategies in Primary Care that can contribute to the well-being of this public, such as welcoming, carrying out group activities and multidisciplinary care. Despite this, there are still challenges in assisting this population. Therefore, it is necessary to reflect on the importance of health care for the elderly and constant professional improvement in the face of changes in the demographic scenario.