Abstract

ZANATTA, Cleia; CAMPOS, Luís Antônio Monteiro  and  COELHO, Patricia Damiana da Silva. The elderly person and the search of sense. A look of hope. Rev. abordagem gestalt. [online]. 2021, vol.27, n.1, pp. 104-113. ISSN 1809-6867.  http://dx.doi.org/10.18065/2021v27n1.10.

The purpose of this article is to propose a reflection on the importance of the meaning of life for the elderly person. It is known that the phenomenon of aging gains visibility worldwide and points to numerous challenges, especially for some 30 million elderly people in Brazil, according to IBGE statistics. At this stage of life recognizing the potential, beyond stereotypes about aging contributes to minimizing the possible challenges. Through the review of the literature on research in the field of aging it is observed that a significant number of these elderly people are concentrated in the losses and declines that occurred in this stage. However, it becomes possible to broaden the understanding of this phase of life by considering the concepts of Logotherapy. According to Viktor Frankl, the man, endowed with his noetic dimension, driven by the search for meaning in life, walks in search of the values of creation, experience and attitude. As a sense-seeker, the elderly person becomes capable of finding, in his existential walk one for which to live, which enables him to continue drawing meaning in the adverse situations of life. Being able to focus on achievements along the way, the challenges faced, and the experiences recognized as valuable, can help make the stage of aging meaningful. Values can continue as paths that point to meaning, and such a possibility should not be wasted on the road of life. With hope and accumulated wisdom, the elderly person is able to respond to what life calls in a committed and meaningful way.

Keywords : Elderly; Logotherapy; Meaning.

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