Intervenções educativas como possibilidade de prevenção da depressão em idosos.

Abstract

The process of aging brings with it many modifications and transformations to the individual's life, which can compromise the mental health of the elderly, which leaves him with thoughts and feelings of impotence towards himself, occasionally the onset of depression. The study aimed to promote the empowerment of the elderly about the prevention of depression through educational interventions. This is a descriptive research, qualitative approach of the research- action type, carried out with elderly residents of the condominium housing City mature located in the municipality of Cajazeiras, Paraiba. The research developed in four stages, which consisted of situational diagnosis, intervention planning, implementation and evaluation, as well as the use of the Collective Subject Discourse method to analyze semi- structured interviews. The research began after the approval of the project by the Research Ethics Committee under opinion nº 2.890.996. The initial analysis for the situational diagnosis identified gaps in the knowledge of the elderly about depression, they reported having experienced the disease, expressed that family conflicts, difficulties in intergenerational relations and social isolation are the main factors that can lead to mental illness. Thus it was possible to carry out the planning and execution of two meetings of educational interventions through active methodologies and dynamics, using a playful approach throughout the meetings. These actions provide the active participation of the elderly in the construction of new knowledge, opening spaces for reflection on the elderly about the prevention of depression. In the participants' discourse regarding the evaluation of educational activities, one can observe the better understanding of the elderly about depression and possible forms of prevention and treatment. In this way, action research acts as an instrument of empowerment, and through health education to transform the reality of the elderly.