The perception of elderly riverside residents of the Amazon region: the empirical knowledge that comes from rivers

Abstract

Objective: To study and identify the perception of elderly riverside people of the Amazon region regarding old age. Method: An exploratory, descriptive, qualitative study was performed. Data was collected through interviews with 14 elderly riverside residents of the city of Cametá, Pará, Brazil. A script consisting of characterization data and an interview with semi-structured questions was used, guided by the following questions: "What is aging for you?" and "Is aging good or bad?". The participant observation technique was also used, through a field diary. For data analysis, we opted for thematic-categorical content analysis. Results: Generally, the elderly had a heterogeneous perception of old age. However, all saw it as a process anchored to the naturalness of life, as well as death. Some of the elderly persons associated old age with a phase of life with negative repercussions due to the appearance of functional disorders and limitations and especially the reduction of availability for work. It can be conferred that the majority, even with while displaying some limitations in this stage of life, have clear and well defined coping strategies, such as the recognition of their limitations or family and religious support. Conclusion: The study found that aging is the shared result of the experiences and knowledge of the interaction of the elderly persons with the riverside environment around them, resulting in their cultural differentiation.

Sarcopenia e fatores associados em pessoas idosas residentes em localidades rurais ribeirinhas na Amazônia

“…De modo geral, fatores como a sobrecarga ocupacional, a baixa escolaridade, o limitado acesso aos serviços de saúde, bem como o avançar da idade, geram repercussões negativas durante o envelhecimento que podem ser cruciais para a ocorrência de doenças crônicas e redução da funcionalidade e autonomia. Ressalta-se que todas essas questões elencadas sobre o estilo de vida e o envelhecimento são percebidas empiricamente por pessoas idosas que residem em áreas ribeirinhas da região amazônica 26 .…”

Sarcopenia and associated factors in older people living in rural riverside areas of the Amazon

“…In general, factors such as work overload, low education, limited access to healthcare services, as well as older age, have negative repercussions during aging which can promote the occurrence of chronic diseases and reduce both functioning and autonomy. Notably, all these issues outlined regarding life style and aging are perceived empirically by older dwellers of riverside areas in the Amazon region 26 .…”