Family structure and its impacts on the restrictions of self-perception of elderly health levels in Brazil

Abstract

The aim of the article is to investigate the impacts of co-residence over spouce and\or children on self-perceived health among Brazilian elderly. The database used was the health supplement of the National Sample Survey of Households (PNAD) conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) in 2008. The sample consists of 36 551 people from all regions of the country such as urban areas and rurals. The results indicate that seniors with better socioeconomic status, who don't have physical mobility problems are more propenspos to a better self report among their health, regardless of the gender of the elderly. Regarding the impact of co-residence family health of respondents, living with daughters increases the probability that perception is better (specifically good or very good). Moreover,the results are consistent with the hypothesis that elderly brazilians realize better their health with home living with daughters and/or spouse.

Sociodemographic, health and services characteristics used by hospitalized elderly / Características sociodemográficas, de saúde e de serviços utilizados por idosos internados

“…5,17 The positive relationship between high socioeconomic status, educational standards and better health conditions is well established by the world literature and extends to elderly subjects. 18 Regarding the difference in health status between the groups investigated, a significant increase in multimorbidity is observed in the elderly over 70 years, as identified in other studies. 19,20 The occurrence of two or more chronic diseases in the same individual is considered multimorbidity and can be considered a public health problem, given the negative impact on quality and life expectancy of the elderly.…”

Ageing perception and social functioning in older adults: a narrative review

“…The relationship between emotional support and ageing perceptions is thus accompanied by an explicit expression of respect and compassion (Hosieni et al , 2011). As in the study by Cruz et al , socializing with children could significantly shape women’s optimal perceptions or health status, while men could be sensitive when socializing with their wives or sons (da Cruz et al , 2018). It seems that the difference between genders in this respect may be attributed to the fact that women are more active in family and friendly relationships along with memberships in local social networks and friendly circles compared with their male peers, and as a result, women are more supported.…”