This present study intended to understand the representations produced by a group of functionally independent aged people about the ageing process. Starting from the theoretical principles of social representations, priority was given to the participants' speech in order to stress the symbolical dimensions about ageing. The study was carried out at a family health unit in "Alto do Mateus", a suburban area of "João Pessoa", "Paraíba". The sample included 100 functionally independent aged persons, from 60 to 93 years old. Data were collected through the "MIF" and the test of Free Association of Words; and the results were analyzed by means of the "Tri-Deux-Mots" software. The results showed that the aged and the old stimuli were connected with aspects of more negative connotation. However, for the "active elderly" stimulus, though the negative connotation still subsisted, the positive significations showed more evidence among the aged persons under investigation.
Ageing process; Elderly; Active elderly
