Perceptions of the elderly on aging and violence in intrafamily relationships

Abstract

Objective: To identify the different perceptions of the aging process and violence in intrafamilial relations of elderly participants of a social and coexistence group. Method: An exploratory and descriptive qualitative study was performed through the application of a sociodemographic questionnaire and a semi-structured interview, with seven elderly people participating in the Coexistence and Strengthening of Bonds social group. The results of the discourses were assessed through thematic content analysis. Results: The extraction into thematic units allowed the elaboration of two intertwined categories: self-perception of the process of intrafamily aging and violence in the eyes of the elderly. Conclusion: The elderly reported that the family is responsible for providing care, appreciation and understanding, and that the aging process brings new possibilities for coexistence, but it is also accompanied by weaknesses and limitations. They also indicated subtle practices of psychological, financial, and abandonment violence, making them impotent, ashamed, and fearful to adopt effective initiatives to restore cordial, ethical, and harmonious family relationships.

Violência contra a pessoa idosa no município de Campinas, São Paulo, nos últimos 11 anos: uma análise temporal

“…As Minayo points out 20 , violence in Brazil has historically been structured into nuclei: structural (inequality, poverty, misery, discrimination), institutional (inefficient public policies and domination), and interpersonal (forms of communication and daily relations of indifference). Given this, several old people are victims of these forms of violence, often concomitantly, causing physical and mental impairments and making intrafamily coexistence difficult 21 .…”

Symbolic violence on social media: Covid-19 and the elderly

“…The elderly's right to feel useful within their limitations is denied, blocking them from exercising their autonomy, within their possibilities (Colussi et al, 2019, Yan et al, 2015.…”

Violence in old age: social representations elaborated by elderly people

“…6 The phenomenon of violence against the elderly is practiced regardless of gender, age or social condition, and is manifested through acts or the absence of the person responsible for caring for, valuing and understanding the elderly. 7 While dependence by the elderly increases the chances of abuse, the modernization of society makes social and family bonds difficult, also increasing the risk for violence against the elderly, regardless of any difference between societies around the world. 8 There are several factors that increase the possibilities of violence.…”