Abstract

BRUNNET, Alice Einloft et al. Social practices and meanings of aging for elderly women. Pensando fam. [online]. 2013, vol.17, n.1, pp. 99-109. ISSN 1679-494X.

Currently Brazil has expanded its aging population. Toward this phenomenon we aimed to understand the meaning of old age, and the changes resulting from aging, in women. Were interviewed eight elderly women between 60 and 70 years, living in Porto Alegre and participants of an educational program about old age in a university in the same capital. Open interviews, of narrative character, were made with the intention to let the participants report their experiences. The method used for the data analysis was comprehensive analysis in a phenomenological base. The speeches confirm the struggle of the women to change their image of senile or passive person. Constantly busy with leisure activities or routine, they go against the concept of contemplative retirement. Socialization and concern with the body still exist, even with increasing age. Such concerns are associated with life quality, ensuring prevention of mental health problems.

Keywords : Elderly; Aging; Socialization.

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