Análise e desenvolvimento do conceito de resiliência no envelhecimento

Abstract

ABSCTRAT Resilience comes as a mechani sm to facilita te the process of human development. It i s a type of plasticity that can be translated as the potential for individual change and it i s flexibility and strength to deal with challenges and demands. The study of resilience is recent, but, in g eneral, studies have tried to understand the role of this in the childhood and adolescence. Given this scenario, there is a need to know, as is the resilience phenomenon in the elderly , since the clarification represents a gain for better understanding and promotion of the theme in geriatric care. The study sought to analyze and develop the concept of resilience in aging, aiming to develop a conceptual framework based on theoretical and empirical analysis of the attributes, antecedents and consequences of t he phenomenon. As a construction, method used the hybrid conceptual analysis proposed by Swartz - Barcott and Kim (2000). The literature (theoretical phase) and interviews with seniors and professionals (field phase) allowed greater understanding of the phen omenon of the manifestation in the various scenarios in which the elderly is inserted and the presentation of a conceptual framework that succinctly to clarify the theme filling in the gaps of the definitions found in the literature. The antecedents observ ed in both phases of the study demonstrate that resilience in aging is directly related to social support and the experience in overcoming adversity. As for the attributes of concept stand out better the adaptation to adversity, optimism, acceptance of o ne's limits the age, willpower, self - esteem and autonomy. Finally, the resulting characteristics the resilience like longevity with quality of life; seeking health behavior; psychological and mental well - being; good mood; healthy lifestyle; acceptance of aging; framework in society, respect and responsiveness as well as an active and healthy aging demonstrate the benefits that come from the maintained resilient behavior by the elderly. The concept proved to be applicable and relevant for nursing. Health professionals including nurses can use the concept as a facilitating tool of attention to the elderly. One of the main results of the study, even if on a small scale, it is the ability to become a means of disseminating the concept of resilience in aging. It may be resource for those who wish to know the concept, develop interventions aimed at this population, and stimulate the development of other studies on the subject.