Cuidados e cuidadores: trajetórias de afeto e sensibilidades para com os idosos (Cajazeiras, 1990-2013).

Abstract

This paper approaches the subjectivity in affectivity relations between the elderly people and their caregivers at two different retirement homes in Cajazeiras, Paraíba State, called “Lar dos Idosos” and “Abrigo de idosos Luca Zorn” through interviews with caregivers from both homes. This universe of analysis attempted to deal with points listed in their speeches to give an overview about the visibility and perception about different aspects related to elderly, such as dependency, physical care and old age considered a disease. Nevertheless, it analyzes the current context in the 1990s in our country when it establishes a particular moment that offers visibility to the elderly and practices related to living with they, prompting the Government beyond the general media and academic discourse to a new category which outlined apart in Brazil, gaining strength in revolutions for their rights. This reasoning also seeks to (re)consider the biopolitics issues that presents itself increasingly circumscribed in our contemporary society and, in terms of this study, is also present in the discourse of normalization of actions that would educate the elderly to maintain a healthy body and also public policy attention and care to the person senescent, which act as regular directing collective practices that would be appropriate for an individual living with the elderly. With regard to caregivers, it is thought that category as marginalized, but at the same time as a result of choice, self-denial. Related to caring for the elderly, it traces the biological and gerontological way of thinking like the elderly living at those homes and treated in accordance with the scientific molds whose discourse dictates to be correct. In the course of the narrative, this paper also deals with feelings, life stories and dedication to the elder people.