The social identity of older adults from the perspective of children

: A qualitative and exploratory-descriptive study was carried out with 17 children enrolled in the 4^th year of elementary education of a private educational institution located in southern Brazil. For data collection, a semi-structured individual interview was used, together with graphic elucidation and storytelling, the audio of which was recorded, transcribed in full and analyzed by lexical analysis using the IRaMuTeQ^® software, based on the Descending Hierarchical Classification. The Social Identity proposed by Berger and Luckmann was used as an analytical reference.

Results

: Six classes emerged, revealing that the children attribute dependency to the older adults, with aging reduced to a phase of weaknesses and limitations, but opportune for leisure. The health conditions of the older adults were related to the natural wear of aging and the results of previous choices, from healthy habits perpetuated throughout life.

Conclusion

: The social identity of the older adults from the perception of children is linked to senescence and senility that alter daily life in an adaptable but natural manner.

Keywords:
Health of the Elderly; Aging; Child; Social Perception

Universidade do Estado do Rio Janeiro Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 - Bloco F, 20559-900 Rio de Janeiro - RJ Brasil, Tel.: (55 21) 2334-0168 - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brazil
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[1] Correspondence Iara Sescon Nogueira iara_nogueira@hotmail.com

Classes	Nomenclature	Lexicographic analysis
Classes	Nomenclature	Words (p<0.0001)*	Total eff.**	X²***	%****
Class 4 21.7% 36 ECU	Older adults attributed a perception of dependence	Live	28	42.28	67.86
		Help	12	37.3	91.67
		Son/Daughter	15	33.02	80.0
		Family	14	29.13	78.57
		Grandchild	13	18.77	69.23
		Take care of	31	16.0	48.39
Class 5 16.9% 28 ECU	Aging is perceived as an opportunity for leisure that includes performing instrumental activities of daily living	Leave the house	12	31.17	75.0
		Talk	6	30.68	100.0
		Clothes	7	24.7	85.71
		Wash	10	21.42	10.0
		Place	8	20.26	75.0
		Go out	6	19.61	83.33
		Play	11	18.38	63.64
		Home	46	18.31	36.96
Class 1 21.1% 35 ECU	The condition of the life and health of older adults is perceived by the natural wear and tear of aging and also the results of previous choices	Old	11	34.52	90.91
		Health	59	24.93	42.37
		Live	15	20.59	66.67
		Good	16	18.25	62.5
		Good	40	18.12	45.0
		Depend	19	17.47	57.89
		Life	12	16.15	66.67
Class 6 11.4% 19 ECU	Health and quality of life in aging are perceived as a result of healthy habits perpetuated throughout life	Eat	20	52.89	60.0
		Physical	8	47.97	87.5
		Junk	5	39.89	100.0
		Better	4	31.71	100.0
		Activity	12	28.06	58.33
		Doctor	8	21.61	62.5
		Health	59	17.64	25.42
Class 3 16.9% 28 ECU	Older adults are perceived though senescence and senility that change daily life in an adaptable but natural way	Walk	16	42.67	75.0
		Pain	11	35.44	81.82
		Walking stick	11	26.21	72.73
		Watch	7	24.7	85.71
		Case	4	20.2	100.0
		Bike	4	20.2	100.0
		Television	9	16.83	66.67
		Street	7	15.52	71.43
		Hair	3	15.06	100.0
Class 2 12.0% 20 ECU	Aging is perceived as a phase of weaknesses and limitations	Run	16	45.86	61.11
		Weight	6	29.85	83.33
		Academy	5	22.46	80.0
		Jump	3	22.3	100.0
		Heavy	6	17.52	66.67
		Play	6	17.52	66.67
		Strength	4	15.33	75.0
		Soccer	4	15.33	75.0