Vivências e condições de vida de idosos em residência unipessoal.

Abstract

The high growth of the elderly population is a worrisome milestone. This population has also generated changes in living arrangements, opting for these sole domicile, to live alone it can not have the assistance of another person in overcoming the difficulties that aging brings with it greater attention to this population if needed doing. The study aimed to understand the experiences and living conditions of older people living alone. Study of descriptive and exploratory, qualitative approach, developed with 20 elderly living alone in the vicinity of two Basic Health Units in the municipality of Cajazeiras, city from Paraiba backwoods. The research took place in the period from November 2013 to April 2014. Was used as a collection tool given a semi-structured interview, where the data were recorded as authorized participants, portrayed faithfully and categorized according to the technique of content analysis. The research followed the Resolution 466/12 of the National Health Council. The results showed that the majority of participants were female, widowed (as), had an average 1-13 children had low education and low wage income. The reports allowed to identify themselves as causes in the living arrangement option: the search for independence and individuality, attachment to place, the lack of choice and family issues. Regarding the difficulties experienced and the methods of fighting these elderly people, are those related to risk for disease and self-care, denoting that these difficulties and their solutions are aggravated by their condition of living and aging alone. As for the feelings experienced in their daily lives are happiness and sadness and desire of obtaining airline. It is considered that there is need to implement incentive programs and active search for these elderly by health professionals in order to advise them on the health care seeking efficient and qualified service, paying attention to your feelings, difficulties, peculiarities and needs in an attempt to promote a better quality of life.