O cuidado de si de idosos participantes de grupos de terceira idade do meio rural

Abstract

The demographic transition experienced, principally, by emerging countries has resulted in changes in the age and population structure. In this sense, it is perceived that the countryside is undergoing complex changes, because often the elderly remain alone, without the support of children and families. Thus, the elderly had developed ways to take care of themselves, which those need to be studied by nursing area. This study research the question: "How is the self-care of elderly participants of the third age groups in the rural areas?" and objectively describe the self-care of elderly participants of third age groups of rural areas. It is characterized as a qualitative study, exploratory and descriptive approach that uses the narrative interview as a technique for assemblage of data. The subjects of the study are ten elderly people living in rural areas from a municipality located in the northwest in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, which participate in activities group in rural areas. However, the date have been collected on the period between April and December of 2014. The elderly were invited to participate to this study, and when the agreement to participate was scheduled day, place and time for assemblage of data as the availability and choice of the elderly. All interviews were recorded and transcribed had their content in full. The elderly received the term of informed consent, and respected all research recommendations with humans. The letter E and a number coded the subjects in order to ensure the patient's confidentiality. The interviews were subjected to thematic content analysis of the operative protocol. The results of the study are presented in the form of a scientific paper, which aims to describe self-care of the rural elderly who take part in the third age group. It was possible to create four analysis categories: recognize and take responsibility for their care; as I take care of me when I am sick; with whom I can tell when I am sick; and the group of elderly and care for oneself. It is understood that this study allows for support of nursing care, as the understanding of self-care of the rural elderly allows nursing, based on scientific knowledge, create media that enable them to maximize the quality of life for seniors.