Vulnerable Lives, Irrelevant Deaths? Dying Alone and Receiving Flawed Care in an Institution for the Aged in Lima, Peru.

This ethnographic exploration of death in the Peruvian context draws on fieldwork among abandoned-both by their families and the state-older adults in a shelter for the homeless in Lima, Peru. I examine the conditions and local forces that shape the ways people at this institution socially and physically die. My argument is that people in this long-term care facility who have lived entire lives on the margins, usually, end up having irrelevant deaths to their families, other residents of the institution, and the Peruvian state. At this shelter, dying in an irrelevant way means dying without companionship from family members and receiving poor and flawed care from the institution that shelters them.

Validismo en el anciano. Contexto social y capacidad funcional

Fundamento: el envejecimiento es un hecho que afecta a toda la población mundial, y de manera considerable, a los países más desarrollados, en los que la esperanza de vida ha ido aumentando tal y como se refleja en el informe de Naciones Unidas. Objetivo: describir el contexto social y capacidad funcional en gerontos del consultorio # 8 del Área de Salud I del municipio Cienfuegos durante el año 2022. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se seleccionó aleatoriamente una muestra del 30 % para un total de 131 ancianos. Se realizó una entrevista estructurada, que recogió las variables generales: edad, sexo, nivel de escolaridad, ocupación, antecedentes patológicos personales, la colaboración de apoyo y para completar la valoración social se aplicó el Cuestionario de Funcionamiento Familiar. Resultados: el grupo de edad de 60 a 65 años tuvo más prevalencia, el 45,5 % estudió hasta la primaria terminada, seguidos de los de secundaria terminada con el 29,0 %. Los jubilados estuvieron representados en un 38,9 %, las principales enfermedades no transmisibles que prevalecieron fueron: la hipertensión arterial, la cardiopatía isquémica y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2, el 40,4 % vivía solo, el 19,8 % tenía cuidador, el 14,5 % no recibían apoyo y el 9,9 % de los ancianos que se encontraban en probable estado de necesidad social. Conclusiones: un adulto mayor bien nutrido, querido, apoyado, con todas las necesidades básicas satisfechas, así como todas las enfermedades asociadas propias de esta etapa de la vida compensadas, tendrá en cualquier sociedad una mejor calidad de vida.

Foundation: aging is a fact that affects the entire world population, and considerably, the most developed countries, in which life expectancy has been increasing as reflected in the United Nations report. Objective: to describe the social context and functional capacity in gerontos of clinic # 8 of Health Area I of the Cienfuegos municipality during the year 2022. Method: a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. A 30 % sample was randomly selected for a total of 131 elderly people. A structured interview was carried out, which included the general variables: age, sex, level of education, occupation, personal pathological history, support collaboration and to complete the social assessment, the Family Functioning Questionnaire was applied. Results: the age group of 60 to 65 years had the most prevalence, 45.5 % studied until they completed primary school, followed by those who completed secondary school with 29.0 %. Retirees were represented at 38.9 %, the main non-communicable diseases that prevailed were: high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus, 40.4 % lived alone, 19.8 % had a caregiver, 14.5 % did not receive support and 9.9 % of the elderly who were in a probable state of social need. Conclusions: a well-nourished, loved, supported older adult, with all basic needs satisfied, as well as all associated diseases typical of this stage of life compensated, will have a better quality of life in any society.

Mudanças na rotina de instituições delonga permanência para idosos em função da pandemia da COVID-19 / Changes in the routine of long-stay institutions for the elderly due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Objetivo: Identificar as mudanças surgidas como resultado das medidas implementadas em Instituições de Longa Permanecia para Idosos para a prevenção do contágio pelo novo coronavírus SARS-CoV-2 no município de Teresina no Estado do Piauí. Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal de natureza quantitativa com os gestores de quatro instituições na cidade de Teresina no Piauí, realizada por meio de um formulário, estruturado e eletrônico, na plataforma Google Forms. Resultados: Foram implementados protocolos preventivos em todas as instituições, com foco em medidas de segurança para os idosos e focando em condutas de higiene, de forma unanime a obrigatoriedade do uso de máscara e suspensão de visitas. Conclusões: Foram analisadas quatro Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos e de acordo com os dados coletados as instituições passaram por processo de adaptação as necessidades que surgem para melhorar a qualidade de vida dos idosos institucionalizados.(AU)

Objective: To identify the changes that have arisen as a result of measures implemented in Long Stay Institutions for the Elderly for the prevention of contagion by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in the municipality of Teresina, State of Piauí. Method: This is a cross-sectional study of a quantitative nature with managers of four institutions in the city of Teresina, Piauí, carried out through a structured and electronic form, on the Google Forms platform. Results: Preventive protocols were implemented in all institutions, focusing on safety measures for the elderly and focusing on hygiene behaviors, unanimously the mandatory use of masks and suspension of visits. Conclusions: Four long-stay institutions for the elderly were analyzed and, according to the data collected as institutions, they underwent an adaptation process as needed to improve the quality of life of institutionalized elderly.(AU)

Objetivos: Identificar los cambios que han surgido como resultado de las medidas implementadas en Instituciones de Larga Estancia para Personas Mayores para la prevención del contagio por el nuevo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 en el municipio de Teresina, Estado de Piauí. Método: Se trata de un estudio transversal de carácter cuantitativo con responsables de cuatro instituciones de la ciudad de Teresina, Piauí, realizado a través de un formulario estructurado y electrónico, en la plataforma Google Forms. Resultados: Se implementaron protocolos preventivos en todas las instituciones, enfocándose en las medidas de seguridad para los adultos mayores y enfocados en las conductas higiénicas, por unanimidad el uso obligatorio de mascarillas y suspensión de visitas. Conclusiones: Se analizaron cuatro instituciones de larga estancia para ancianos que, de acuerdo con los datos recolectados como instituciones, se sometieron a un proceso de adaptación según fue necesario para mejorar la calidad de vida de los ancianos institucionalizados.(AU)

Recriando a vida a partir do clown: um estudo com idosos em um centro de convivência em Portugal / Recreating life through clown: a study with seniors at a social center in Portugal

O presente artigo visa apresentar parte de uma investigação empírica que teve como objetivo: verificar de que forma um processo de criação do clown aplicado com idosos pode contribuir para o bem-estar e a vida com qualidade. Orientando-se com base em uma abordagem qualitativa, foi realizada uma pesquisa-ação com um grupo de idosos residentes em um centro para o convívio de idosos na cidade do Porto/Portugal. Desse modo, foi realizado um conjunto de atividades com os idosos: atividades de relaxamento; atividades corporais; e atividades de expressão corporal. O que contribuiu para uma maior vitalidade corporal, aquisição de uma maior desenvoltura dos movimentos, mais segurança em relação ao próprio corpo, mais independência pessoal, e uma melhor respiração, interação, criação, comunicação e desinibição corporal. Assim gerando impactos no seu bem-estar e para a melhoria da qualidade de vida dos idosos em questão.

This article aims to present part of an empirical investigation that aimed to: verify how a clown creation process applied to the elderly can contribute to well-being and quality of life. In this sense, guided by a qualitative approach, an action-research was carried out with a group of elderly residents in a center for the conviviality of the elderly in the city of Porto/Portugal. Thus,a set of activities was carried out with the elderly: relaxation activities; bodily activities; and body expression activities. This contributed to greater bodily vitality, acquisition of greater ease of movement, greater security in relation to one's own body, greater personal independence, and better breathing, interaction, creation, communication and bodily disinhibition. Thus, generating impacts on their well-being and improving the quality of life of the elderly in question.

Prevalence of COVID-19 Among 8000 Patients at a Hospitalized and Mortality in Old Age.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 created a general challenge to healthcare systems throughout the world and was an important cause of mortality. AIM: The aim of the present study was to report the general evolution of patients with COVID-19 at a teaching hospital and analyze differences by age group and sex considering mortality rates in the years 2020 and 2021 among patients older than 60 years of age. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR at the São Jose do Rio Preto university hospital between March 2020 and March 2022. The patients were male and female patients, of varying ages belonging to the region of Sao Jose do Rio Preto, were accommodated in the wards or intensive care units (ICUs). Overall mortality was analyzed for the hospital as well as in the ICUs and wards. This analysis was performed separately in two years considering age group, sex, and main comorbidities in patients older than 60 years of age. RESULTS: A total of 8032 patients with COVID-19 were hospitalized between March 2020 and March 2022: 2866 patients with 658 deaths (22.92%) in 2020; 4324 patients with 1168 deaths (27.01%) in 2021; and 842 patients with 205 deaths (24.35 %) in 2022 up to the month of March. More than half (53.60%) of the patients were hospitalized in the ICUs and 46.39% were hospitalized in the wards. Differences in the mortality rate were found for the different age groups in the comparison of the years, with more deaths occurring among individuals up to 90 years of age in the second year (p <0.05). Men were affected more and had a higher mortality rate (p <0.0001). The main comorbidities were cardiovascular disease (70.93%), diabetes (37.76%), and obesity (23.68%). CONCLUSION: The mortality rate of older people hospitalized with COVID-19 was higher than the average, it was higher in 2021 compared to 2020 and increased with age. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity were the main comorbidities.

Cuidados, velhice e pandemia: algumas questões para pensar o cenário brasileiro / Care, old age and the pandemic: some questions to think about the Brazilian scenario / Cuidados, vejez y pandemia: algunas cuestiones para pensar el escenario brasileño

Tendo como pano de fundo o contexto brasileiro, o presente texto tem por objetivo tecer algumas reflexões sobre o cruzamento entre envelhecimento e cuidado no período pandêmico. Amparada por dados de uma pesquisa realizada no período que antecedeu a Covid-19 - 2019 - e por outras que aconteceram durante a pandemia, a proposta é pontuar os links de conexão entre esses dois momentos. Apesar da hiperexposição do idoso durante a pandemia de Covid-19, com destaque para a estigmatização e os diferentes níveis de violência, é possível perceber que se tratou de uma exacerbação da visibilidade, mas não de algo novo. No caso do cruzamento entre cuidado e velhice, podemos dizer que um grande segredo público veio à tona.(AU)

Using the Brazilian context as a backdrop, this text reflects on the intersection of aging and care during the pandemic. Based on data collected by a study conducted in the period leading up to Covid-19 - 2019 - and other studies during the pandemic, the aim is to highlight the connective links between these two moments. Despite the hyper exposure of older people during the pandemic, including stigmatization and different levels of violence, it is possible to see that it was more of an exacerbation of visibility, but not something new. In the case of the intersection of care and old age, we could say that a major public secret came to light.(AU)

Teniendo como telón de fondo el contexto brasileño, el objetivo de este texto es realizar algunas reflexiones sobre el cruce entre envejecimiento y cuidado en el período pandémico. Amparada por datos de una investigación realizada en el período que precedió a la Covid-19 - 2019 - y por otras que tuvieron lugar durante la pandemia, la propuesta es puntuar los enlaces de conexión entre esos dos momentos. A pesar de la súper exposición del anciano durante la Covid-19, con destaque para la estigmatización y los diferentes niveles de violencia, es posible percibir que se trató más de una exacerbación de la visibilidad, pero no de algo nuevo. En el caso del cruce entre cuidado y vejez, podemos decir que un gran secreto público salió a la superficie.(AU)

A propósito del debate actual sobre el envejecimiento en Cuba

El envejecimiento poblacional constituye uno de los logros y uno de los retos más importantes del desarrollo de las sociedades. La principal causa del envejecimiento es el descenso de la fecundidad de las mujeres, y en menor proporción la emigración externa, sobre todo de jóvenes. En Cuba, ya mueren más que los que nacen, debido fundamentalmente a los bajos niveles de reemplazo en la fecundidad, situación agravada en los años de la pandemia de COVID-19. Entre las consecuencias negativas del envejecimiento poblacional, se identifican cuatro principales: sanitarias, económicas, socioculturales y legales; entre las positivas, hay algunos reportes de cohortes de personas que llegan a edades avanzadas en mejor estado físico y mental. Los cambios ocurridos en la institución familiar en muchas sociedades y la discriminación por edad de los mayores, tienen consecuencias graves para la salud, el bienestar y los derechos humanos de los ancianos. Se considera que existe mucha información sobre el "diagnóstico" y el "pronóstico" del envejecimiento poblacional, pero hay menos acerca de acciones eficaces para su "tratamiento", aspecto complejo y difícil de enfrentar. Se exponen algunas propuestas de mitigación de estos inevitables cambios demográficos. El propósito de esta comunicación es comentar determinados aspectos del envejecimiento de la población cubana.

Population aging constitutes one of the achievements and one of the most important challenges in the development of societies. The main cause of aging is the decrease in the fertility of women and to a lesser extent external emigration, especially of young people. In Cuba, more people die than are born, mainly due to low replacement levels in fertility, a situation aggravated in the years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the negative consequences of population aging, four main ones are identified: health, economic, sociocultural and legal; among the positive ones, there are some reports of cohorts of people who reach advanced ages in better physical and mental condition. The changes that have occurred in the family institution in many societies and the age discrimination of the elderly have serious consequences for the health, well-being and human rights of the elderly. It is considered that there is a lot of information about the "diagnosis" and "prognosis" of population aging, but there is less about effective actions for its "treatment", a complex and difficult aspect to face. Some proposals are presented to mitigate these inevitable demographic changes. The purpose of this communication is to comment on certain aspects of the aging of the Cuban population.

La salud y los cuidados: un análisis interseccional de género y vejeces a partir del trabajo realizado en CEPRAM (2022) / Health and care: an intersectional analysis of gender and old age from the work done at CEPRAM (2022)

INTRODUCCION: Nuestra región, y Argentina, se encuentra atravesando un momento de rápido envejecimiento demográfico. Se trata de un proceso contextualizado social e históricamente de representaciones, estereotipos y significados particulares. El presente trabajo tiene por objetivo describir y analizar las posibles articulaciones entre la perspectiva de salud integral, redes en salud y los cuidados a y entre personas adultas mayores a partir de la experiencia de trabajo en el CEPRAM (Centro de Promoción del Adulto Mayor) en el que las mujeres ocupan un rol central. MÉTODOS: Investigación cualitativa interaccionista con entrevistas sobre experiencias y significados. RESULTADOS: Refieren mejoras en su autoestima, flexibilidad, apertura y escucha como reconocimiento del otro/a. La cantidad y la calidad de cobertura en servicios de cuidados recae mayoritariamente sobre las familias y especialmente, sobre las mujeres y disidencias, perpetuando la desigualdad de género en la distribución de tareas, las condiciones en que se llega y transita la vejez. Ellas vieron este espacio como uno de cuidados, dando sustento a formas más integrales de entenderlos como eje de la salud. CONCLUSIONES: CEPRAM logró captar y solucionar necesidades ­socioafectivas­ de mujeres mayores, insatisfechas y no atendidas por el Estado. Promueve la autonomía relacional donde la participación y la construcción de redes basadas en los vínculos, fundamentales para su salud integral. Los entornos extrahospitalarios como oportunidad de acercamiento al sistema de salud, deben resolver necesidades de cuidado con perspectiva de envejecimiento saludable, fomentando la habilidad funcional, así como los atributos relacionados con el proceso diferenciado por género y salud que permiten a la persona ser y hacer (AU)

INTRODUCTION: Our region, and Argentina, is going through a period of rapid demographic aging. It is a socially and historically contextualized process of representations, stereotypes and particular meanings. The aim of this paper is to describe and analyze the possible articulations between the integral health perspective, health networks and care for and among older adults based on the experience of working in the CEPRAM (Center for the Promotion of Older Adults) in which women play a central role. METHODS: Qualitative interactionist research with interviews on experiences and meanings. RESULTS: They report improvements in their self-esteem, flexibility, openness and listening as recognition of the other. The quantity and quality of coverage in care services falls mostly on families and especially on women and dissidents, perpetuating gender inequality in the distribution of tasks, the conditions in which old age arrives and passes. Women saw this space as one of care, giving support to more comprehensive ways of understanding it as the axis of health. CONCLUSIONS: CEPRAM was able to capture and solve the social and emotional needs of older women, unsatisfied and unmet by the State. It promotes relational autonomy where participation and the construction of networks based on bonds are fundamental for their integral health. The out-of-hospital environments as an opportunity to approach the health system, should solve care needs with a healthy aging perspective, promoting functional ability, as well as the attributes related to the process differentiated by gender and health that allow the person to be and to do (AU)

Avaliação das Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos no Brasil: um panorama das desigualdades regionais / Evaluation of Long-Term Institutions for Older People in Brazil: an overview of regional inequalities

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar as Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI) brasileiras, segundo o Modelo Teórico Multidimensional Integrado de Qualidade e Atendimento (MIQA), e comparar o desempenho alcançado entre as regiões do país. Estudo ecológico descritivo realizado com dados secundários públicos das ILPI participantes do Censo do Sistema Único da Assistência Social de 2018. Uma Matriz de Avaliação foi construída a partir das variáveis do Censo e do Modelo Teórico MIQA. Parâmetros de qualidade foram empregados para classificar o desempenho das instituições para cada indicador em "incipiente", "em desenvolvimento" ou "desejável. O índice de disparidade foi obtido para cada indicador. Foram analisadas 1.665 instituições. Observaram-se diferenças nos percentuais de ILPI com desempenho "desejável" entre as regiões brasileiras, e a necessidade de aprimoramento na maioria das ILPI em relação à proporção de cuidadores de pessoas idosas, a composição da equipe multiprofissional, a acessibilidade e a oferta de ações de promoção de saúde. Verificou-se a necessidade de apoio governamental para a supressão dos critérios de diferenciações excludentes e para a expansão dos serviços para superar as superlotações.

Abstract This article aims to evaluate the Brazilian Long-Term Institutions for Older People (LTIE), according to the Integrated Multidimensional Theoretical Model of Quality and Service (MIQA), and compare the performance achieved between the regions of the country. Descriptive ecological study carried out with public secondary data from the LTIE participating in the 2018 Census of the Unified Social Assistance System. An Evaluation Matrix was constructed from the Census variables and the MIQA Theoretical Model. Quality parameters were used to classify the institutions' performance for each indicator as "incipient", "developing" or "desirable". The disparity index was obtained for each indicator. 1,665 institutions were analyzed. Differences were observed in the percentages of LTIE with "desirable" performance between Brazilian regions, and the need for improvement in most LTIE in relation to the proportion of caregivers of older people, the composition of the multidisciplinary team, accessibility and supply of health promotion actions. There was a need for government support for the suppression of exclusionary differentiation criteria and for the expansion of services to overcome overcrowding.

Representação de professoras em Mário de Andrade: Loucura e velhice / Representation of female teachers in Mário de Andrade: Madness and old age

O presente artigo busca analisar as representações de professoras presentes no conto "Atrás da Catedral de Ruão" (1947) e no romance Amar, verbo intransitivo (1944), ambos de Mário de Andrade, com ênfase nas questões insertas sobre a noção de velhice e loucura. São textos escritos sob a égide do Modernismo e que tematizaram as respectivas práticas pedagógicas, mas ressaltam também as angústias de mulheres trabalhadoras e itinerantes, que são malvistas por exercerem funções de natureza pública em espaços privados. Se por um lado era emblemático o fato de ser mulher, por outro, eram ainda mais acentuados os destaques feitos pelo escritor, pois a idade estava à mostra e a loucura era vista como condição inata de um gênero supostamente inferior. A literatura no presente estudo significou importante artefato cultural, também serviu como peculiar fonte para interpretação pelos historiadores do presente, de modo que o método aqui utilizado foi aquele sintetizado na noção de operação historiográfica preconizada por Michel de Certeau (1975/2020).

This paper analyzes the representations of female teachers in the short story "Behind Ruão's Cathedral" (1947) and in the novel "To Love, intransitive verb" (1944), both by Mário de Andrade, with emphasis on the questions about the notion of old age and madness. These texts were written under the aegis of Modernism, and they thematize the respective pedagogical practices, but also highlight the anguish of working and itinerant women, who are disliked for performing public functions in private spaces. If on the one hand it was emblematic that she was a woman, on the other, the writer's highlights were even more pronounced, for age was on display and madness was seen as an innate condition of a supposedly inferior gender. Literature in the present study meant an important cultural artifact, and also served as a peculiar source for interpretation by historians of the present, so that the method used here was that synthesized in the notion of historiographical operation advocated by Michel de Certeau (1975/2020).

Management of Older Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: A Comprehensive Review.

The projected increase in life expectancy over the next few decades is expected to result in a rise in age-related diseases, including cancer. Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a worldwide health problem with high rates of morbidity and mortality. In this report, we have critically reviewed the literature reporting the management of older patients with HNC. Older adults are more prone to complications and toxicities secondary to HNC treatment, especially those patients who are frail or have comorbidities. Thus, this population should be screened prior to treatment for such predispositions to maximize medical management of comorbidities. Chronologic age itself is not a reason for choosing less intensive treatment for older HNC patients. Whenever possible, also older patients should be treated according to the best standard of care, as nonstandard approaches may result in increased treatment failure rates and mortality. The treatment plan is best established by a multidisciplinary tumor board with shared decision-making with patients and family. Treatment modifications should be considered for those patients who have severe comorbidities, evidence of frailty (low performance status), or low performance status or those who refuse the recommendations of the tumor board.

Repercussões físicas, emocionais e sociais produzidas pelo HIV/AIDS na vida dos idosos / Physical, emotional and social repercussions caused by HIV/AIDS in the lives of the elderly: thematic oral history perspectives

Introdução: os dados epidemiológicos mostram um aumento da população idosa vivendo com HIV/AIDS no Brasil. Esta doença impacta de diferentes formas a vida da pessoa constituindo um desafio para os serviços de saúde. Objetivo: verificar as alterações físicas, emocionais e sociais produzidas pelo HIV/AIDS na vida de idosos. Metodologia: estudo qualitativo com método história oral temática. Realizado no Serviço de Atendimento Especializado (SAE) em HIV/AIDS de uma cidade do Oeste Catarinense com a inclusão de três idosos, duas mulheres e um homem, com média de idade de 66 anos e diagnóstico do HIV/AIDS há mais de cinco anos. Foram realizados cinco encontros, dois de observação no domicílio e três para realização da entrevista em profundidade com validação de todas as etapas. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio da análise de conteúdo temática. A pesquisa foi aprovada no comitê de ética. Resultados e discussão: os idosos apresentaram sintomas físicos decorrentes da imunossupressão sendo o principal deles o emagrecimento, que se constituiu como um sinal de alerta para o diagnóstico do HIV/AIDS. As repercussões emocionais foram o medo e a angústia, mais presentes no momento do diagnóstico e início dos tratamentos. As repercussões sociais estiveram atreladas ao isolamento social, saída de grupos e perda do papel no trabalho. Considerações finais: o HIV/AIDS repercute na vida dos idosos e produz diferentes alterações, quer sejam físicas, emocionais e/ou sociais. Nessa direção, incluir essas demandas no planejamento de ações para esse grupo populacional tornará a assistência à saúde mais resolutiva.(AU)

Introduction: epidemiological data show an increase in the elderly population living with HIV/AIDS in Brazil. This disease affects people's lives in different ways and constitutes a challenge for health services. Objective: To verify the physical, emotional, and social repercussions caused by HIV/AIDS in the lives of the elderly. Methodology: a qualitative study which used thematic oral history as a method. The research was carried out at the Specialized Care Service (SAE) on HIV/AIDS in a city in western Santa Catarina, which included three elderly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS for more than five years. Two meet-ings were held for approximation and three moments of in-depth interviews with validation in all stages. Data analysis had performed through thematic content analysis, according to Minayo (2014). Results and discussion: The elderly presented physical symptoms resulting from immunosuppression, the main one being weight loss, which constitutes a warning sign for the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS. The emotional repercussions were the fear and anguish most present at the time of diagnosis and the beginning of treatments. The social repercussions were linked to social isolation, leaving groups, and losing the social role of work, being partially reintroduced. Final considerations: HIV/AIDS affects the lives of the elderly, producing different changes, whether physical, emotional, and social, and health services and an interprofessional team need to ensure a broader view of this whole context to qualify assistance.(AU)

Terceira idade e potência de vida: internação e (re)existência numa instituição de longa permanência / The elder's and the potency of life: hospitalization and existence in a long-term institution

Este relato resulta do estágio de Psicologia requerido aos alunos do Curso de Psicologia Clínica de uma faculdade angolana, realizado dentro de um lar da terceira idade, com vista a contribuir para a melhoria da qualidade de vida dos idosos institucionalizados. Nele discutimos, a partir do relato de um estágio, a produção de estratégias de resistência dentro de uma instituição de longa permanência angolana. Nesta, a capacidade de resistir transforma-se num mecanismo de preservação acionado pelo próprio sujeito, que ao se enxergar diante de uma situação que o ameaça, reage como pode, resistindo e reexistindo, por meio de estratégias que permitem a afirmação da potência de vida da pessoa institucionalizada, preservando-a física, psicológica e fundamentalmente.(AU)

This article is the result of a Psychology internship required for students of the Clinical Psychology of an Angolan university, held in a nursing home, to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of institutionalized elderly. Based on the report of an internship, we discuss resistance strategies within a long-term Angolan institution, where the capacity to resist becomes a preservation mechanism, triggered by the subject, who is faced with a situation that threatens him. He reacts as he can by resisting and preexisting, through strategies that allow the affirmation of the institutionalized person's life power, preserving him physically and fundamentally psychologically.(AU)

Global Pain and Aging: A Cross-Sectional Study on Age Differences in the Intensity of Chronic Pain Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in 20 Countries.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine age differences in the intensity of chronic pain among middle-aged and older adults, where intensity is measured on a scale differentiating between chronic pain that is often troubling and likely requires intervention versus more endurable sensations. We aim to explore whether individual health and national gross domestic product (GDP) explain these differences as well. METHODS: Cross-nationally harmonized data from 20 countries on self-reported intensity of chronic pain (0 = no, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe) in 104,826 individuals aged 50+ observed in 2012-2013. Two-level hierarchical ordinal linear models with individuals nested within countries were used to isolate estimations from heterogeneity explained by methodological differences across single-country studies. RESULTS: Overall, mean participant age was 66.9 (SD = 9.9), 56.1% were women, and 41.9% of respondents reported any chronic pain. Chronic pain intensity rose sharply with age in some countries (e.g., Korea and Slovenia), but this association waned or reversed in other countries (e.g., the United States and Denmark). Cross-country variation and age differences in chronic pain were partly explained (85.5% and 35.8%, respectively) by individual-level health (especially arthritis), country-level wealth (as indicated by GDP per capita), and demographics. DISCUSSION: Chronic pain intensity is not an inevitable consequence of chronological age, but the consequence of potential selection effects and lower activity levels combined with individual-level health and country-level wealth. Our findings suggest further investigation of health conditions and country affluence settings as potential targets of medical and policy interventions aiming to prevent, reduce, or manage chronic pain among older patients and aging populations.

Dificuldades no uso de medicamentos por idosos acompanhados em uma coorte do Sul do Brasil / Difficulties in the use of medications by elderly people followed up in a cohort study in Southern Brazil

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo visou avaliar a necessidade de ajuda dos idosos para tomar seus medicamentos, bem como as dificuldades relacionadas com a sua utilização, e a frequência de esquecimento de doses. Ainda, avaliar fatores associados à necessidade de ajuda dos idosos com os medicamentos. Métodos: Corte transversal em uma coorte de idosos (60 anos ou mais — estudo "COMO VAI?"), em que foi avaliada a necessidade de ajuda para tomar medicamentos de forma adequada e as dificuldades apresentadas na sua utilização. Utilizou-se regressão de Poisson para estimar as razões de prevalência (RP) brutas e ajustadas dos desfechos e seus intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%) de acordo com as características da amostra. Resultados: Participaram 1.161 idosos. A prevalência de idosos que relataram necessidade de ajuda com os medicamentos foi de 15,5% (IC95% 13,5-17,8), sendo que os mais idosos, com menor escolaridade e em pior situação econômica, em uso de quatro medicamentos ou mais e com pior autoavaliação de saúde foram os que mais necessitaram de ajuda. O uso contínuo de medicamentos foi referido por 83,0% (IC95% 80,7-85,1) e a maioria (74,9%; IC95% 72,0-77,5) nunca se esqueceu de tomar seus medicamentos. Conclusão: Observou-se a influência de determinantes sociais e econômicos e de saúde sobre a necessidade de ajuda para a utilização dos medicamentos. Estudos que estimem as dificuldades no uso de medicamentos por idosos são importantes para subsidiar políticas e práticas norteadoras de ações para melhorar a adesão e o uso racional de medicamentos.

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to assess the need for help by elderly people to take their medications, the difficulties related to this activity, the frequency of forgotten doses, and factors associated. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted with a cohort of elderly people (60 years and over — "COMO VAI?" [How do you do?] study), where the need for help to properly take medication and the difficulties faced in using them were evaluated. The Poisson regression model was used to estimate the crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) of the outcomes and respective 95% confidence intervals according to the characteristics of the sample. Results: In total, 1,161 elderly people were followed up. The prevalence of participants who reported requiring help with medication was 15.5% (95%CI 13.5-17.8), and the oldest subjects, with lower educational levels, in worse economic situations, on four or more medications and in bad self-rated health were the ones who needed help the most. Continuous use of medication was reported by 83.0% (95%CI 80.7-85.1) of the sample and most participants (74.9%; 95%CI 72.0-77.5) never forgot to take their medications. Conclusion: The need for help to use medications was shown to be influenced by social and economic determinants. Studies assessing the difficulties in medication use by the elderly are important to support policies and practices to improve adherence to treatment and the rational use of medications.

Muertes por suicidio en Personas Mayores y género masculino en Chile: Una reflexión pendiente

Introducción: Los avances tecnológicos y científicos del último siglo, entre otras cosas, han permitido aumentar la esperanza de vida al enfrentar exitosamente la mortalidad por causas infecciosas. No obstante, hoy se enfrentan nuevos desafíos en torno a la mortalidad, como las crecientes tasas de suicidios globales que afectan con más énfasis a hombres y personas mayores. Desarrollo: La mayor incidencia de muertes por suicidio en hombres mayores, profundiza la necesidad de analizar aquellos factores que puedan estar relacionados, para luego articular respuestas oportunas en la prevención de este. La vivencia de género y de vejez asoman como factores a revisar para la comprensión del fenómeno. En este caso, el entendimiento de la vivencia de masculinidad hegemónica dominante podría aproximarnos a la relación emergente entre género masculino, vejez y suicidio. Conclusión: Los constructos sociales de vejez y masculinidad podrían aportar relevantes antecedentes para aproximarse al fenómeno global que relaciona a los hombres mayores con las muertes por suicidio, factores necesarios de revisar para comprender cómo estos imaginarios sociales pueden influir en sujetos a lo largo del curso de vida. El análisis con perspectiva de género podría facilitar la prevención y respuesta oportuna frente al fenómeno, favoreciendo la salud mental de las personas diseñando e implementando planes y programas integrales de salud pública que consideren las variables como sexo, género, factores sociales y biológicos, con una perspectiva de curso de vida, abordando sus condicionantes desde etapas tempranas y disminuyendo así el impacto durante la vejez.

Introduction: The technological and scientific advances of the last century, among other things, have increased life expectancy by successfully coping with mortality from infectious causes. However, today new challenges are being faced around mortality, such as the growing global suicide rates, which affect men and the elderly more emphatically. Development: The higher incidence of deaths by suicide in older men deepens the need to analyze those factors that may be related, in order to articulate timely responses in its prevention. The experience of gender and old age appear as factors to review for the understanding of the phenomenon. In this case, the understanding of the experience of dominant hegemonic masculinity could bring us closer to the emerging relationship between the masculine gender, old age, and suicide. Conclusion: The social constructs of old age and masculinity could provide relevant background to approach the global phenomenon that relates older men to suicide deaths, factors that need to be reviewed to understand how these social imaginaries can influence subjects throughout lifetime. Analysis with a gender perspective could facilitate prevention and timely response to the phenomenon, favoring people's mental health by designing and implementing comprehensive public health plans and programs that consider variables such as sex, gender, social and biological factors, with a life course perspective, addressing its conditions from early stages and thus reducing the impact during old age.

Itinerário terapêutico de idosos vivendo com HIV/Aids: perspectivas da história oral / Therapeutic Itinerary of Elderly Living with HIV/Aids: Oral History Perspectives

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar o itinerário terapêutico de idosos vivendo com HIV em assistência num município do Oeste Catarinense. Metodologia: Estudo qualitativo com método história oral temática. A população foi composta por idosos que vivem há mais de cinco anos com HIV/Aids, assistidos em um Serviço de Atendimento Especializado. Foram realizados dois encontros para aproximação e três momentos de entrevistas em profundidade abordando questões relacionadas as trajetórias assistenciais dos sujeitos e sua relação com a doença. A análise de dados foi realizada por meio da análise temática de conteúdo. Resultados e Discussão: Os idosos tiveram seu diagnóstico em fase tardia o que mostra a dificuldade dos serviços de saúde em identificar precocemente o HIV na pessoa idosa. O tratamento foi centralizado na medicação com antirretrovirais, de maneira setorializada em serviço especializado e com equipe constituída por profissional médico, enfermeiro e farmacêutico. Também foi evidenciado baixo acesso a recursos não farmacológicos, como assistência psicoterapêutica. Considerações finais: A trajetória assistencial precisa ser qualificada na direção de garantir maior acesso as redes de saúde e as equipes interprofissionais para uma atenção à saúde integral que realize o diagnóstico precoce com vistas a reduzir os riscos de complicações e ofereça um cuidado integral e humanizado, que extrapole o uso de medicamentos.

Abstract Objective: To analyze the therapeutic itinerary of elderly people living with HIV assisted in a municipality in Western Santa Catarina. Methodology: Qualitative study with thematic oral history method. The population was consisted of elderly people who have been living with HIV/Aids for more than five years, assisted in a Specialized Care Service. Two meetings were held for approximation and three moments of in-depth interviews. Data analysis was performed through thematic content analysis. Results and Discussion: The elderly had their diagnosis at a late stage, use antiretrovirals in their therapeutic journey, they have the specialized service as the central treatment space and greater contact with the medical professional, nurse and pharmacist. Final considerations: The therapeutic itineraries were built in a way that diagnoses happen late, with treatment focused on medication, in a sectorized way and without a diverse interprofessional team.

Better alone? The impact of living arrangements on mortality of Costa Rican older adults / Melhor sozinho? O impacto de arranjos domiciliares na mortalidade de idosos costarriquenhos / ¿Mejor solo? El impacto de los arreglos de vivienda en la mortalidad de las personas adultas mayores costarricenses

Abstract Previous research has shown differentiated effects of living arrangement types on mortality. However, little is known about this phenomenon in Latin America and its multigenerational households. This study measures the relationship between older adults' living arrangement types and subsequent mortality. Gompertz event history models were performed to estimate mortality differences across living arrangements. We used the Costa Rica Longevity and Aging Study (CRELES) pre-1945 cohort in the 2005, 2007, and 2009 waves. The results show that older adults who live with a partner have the highest survival rates among the categories tested. When controlling for sex and age in the model, the effect of living alone is not different from partnered living. When controlling for socioeconomic and health factors as well, older adults living with their children or others show an increased risk of death by at least 40% (p-value<0.05). The study demonstrates an association between living arrangements and older adult mortality in Costa Rica. Results show that the highest survival chances rely on being partnered and suggest that support exchanges with other family members are not equally effective. Including this variable type in mortality studies is crucial to better understanding how household conditions relate to health and mortality outcomes.

Resumo Pesquisas anteriores mostraram efeitos diferenciados dos tipos de arranjos residenciais sobre a mortalidade. Entretanto, pouco se sabe sobre os fenômenos na América Latina e suas residências multigeracionais. Este estudo aborda a relação entre os tipos de arranjos residenciais de idosos e a mortalidade subsequente. A análise de sobrevivência foi realizada por meio do modelo Gompertz, estimando as diferenças de mortalidade entre os diferentes arranjos domiciliares. Foi utilizado o Estudo da Longevidade e Envelhecimento da Costa Rica (CRELES) pré-1945, de 2005, 2007 e 2009. Os resultados mostram que os idosos que vivem com companheiro apresentam as maiores taxas de sobrevivência entre as categorias testadas. Ao controlar por sexo e idade no modelo, o efeito de morar sozinho não é diferente de morar com companheiro. Se os fatores socioeconômicos e de saúde forem controlados, os idosos que vivem com seus filhos ou outras pessoas possuem um risco aumentado de morte em pelo menos 40% (p-valor <0,05). O estudo demonstra que existe uma associação entre os arranjos domiciliares e a mortalidade de idosos na Costa Rica. Os resultados mostram que as maiores chances de sobrevivência estão entre os idosos que possuem um parceiro, sugerindo que os cuidados providos por membros da família não são igualmente efetivos. A inclusão desse tipo de variável nos estudos de mortalidade é crucial para entender como as condições domiciliares se relacionam com os resultados de saúde e mortalidade.

Resumen La literatura anterior a este artículo ha mostrado efectos diferenciados de los tipos de arreglos de vivienda en la mortalidad. Sin embargo, poco se sabe sobre el fenómeno en Latinoamérica y sus viviendas multigeneracionales. Este estudio mide la relación entre los tipos de arreglos de vivienda de las personas adultas mayores y la subsecuente mortalidad. Modelos de historia de eventos Gompertz se hicieron para estimar las diferencias de mortalidad entre los arreglos de vivienda. Se utilizó el Estudio de Longevidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CRELES) en la cohorte pre-1945 y las rondas 2005, 2007 y 2009. Los resultados muestran que las personas adultas mayores que viven con una pareja tienen las mayores tasas de sobrevivencia entre las categorías comparadas. Al controlar por sexo y edad en el modelo, el efecto de vivir solo no es diferente del de estar emparejado. Si también se controlan los factores socioeconómicos y de salud, los las personas adultas mayores que viven con hijos o hijas o con otros muestran un riesgo de muerte al menos 40 % mayor (p-valor <0,05). El estudio demuestra que existe una relación entre los arreglos de vivienda y la mortalidad de las personas adultas mayores en Costa Rica. Los resultados muestran que las mayores probabilidades de supervivencia recaen en estar emparejado y sugieren que los intercambios de apoyo con otros miembros de la familia no son igualmente efectivos. La inclusión de este tipo de variables en los estudios de mortalidad es crucial para entender cómo se relacionan las condiciones de vivienda con los resultados de salud y mortalidad.

Childhood Socioeconomic Position and Cardiovascular Disease Among Older Women and Men: The Moderating Role of Parenthood Onset.

Objectives: Based on a life-course approach, the purpose of this study is to analyze how the age at the birth of a first child moderates the relationship between childhood socioeconomic position (SEP) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) incidence in old age, separately for women and men. Methods: We used a rich and representative life history survey of people aged from 65 to 75 living in Santiago, Chile (n = 802), and weighted multivariate statistical models. Data collection process involved the use of face-to-face life history calendars, administered by well-trained interviewers. Results: Early motherhood increases the risk of suffering CVD among older women with a disadvantaged childhood SEP, while late motherhood decreases it. By contrast, early fatherhood decreases CVD risk among older men with an adverse childhood SEP, while late fatherhood increases it. Conclusion: Our findings about the moderating role of parenthood onset on CVD risk among older women and men with a disadvantaged childhood SEP contributes to public health reflections on unexplored cardiovascular risk factors, which lead to substantial changes in women's and men's life courses, and might optimize cardiovascular prevention strategies.