Valoración del patrón autopercepción en los adultos mayores en un centro geriátrico

Abstract

The aging of the world's population makes studies of each of the characteristics of this stage of the human being increasingly essential. Based on these studies, it will be possible to carry out analyses and recommendations on the subject, from which improvement plans for the health care of this age group will emerge. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of self-perception in older adults in a geriatric center. It was a descriptive, qualitative and field study. The population consisted of 10 older adults residing in a nursing home. A semi-structured interview was used for data collection, in which six aspects were assessed: personal attitude and behavior, body image, emotional factor, posture and movement, eye contact and voice and speech pattern; all this, after signing the informed consent. Upon analyzing the results obtained, it became evident that sadness is the most notorious self-perceived by the older adults, followed in order: the low mobility they have within the institution; the need for human contact and data of physical deterioration such as: decrease in visual acuity and locomotor limitations. It is concluded that older adults deserve attention to their physical needs and emotional support to cope with the final stage of human life and, therefore, establish specific care to provide a more appropriate lifestyle.