Idosos centenários, a arte de envelhecer

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. Whereas the elderly population is increasing and that centenarians represent an ideal model of longevity, combining quantity with quality of life, the study of this age group it is essential for developing policies and programs to promote successful aging. OBJECTIVES. Understanding the factors that may be associated with living conditions and health of elderly centenarians (aged 98 years or more) in the city of Fortaleza and seek to identify whether the social support networks and family, the power over life, the personality traits and spirituality can contribute to extreme longevity. METHODS. It is an exploratory and descriptive study with qualitative approach, with the locus the city of Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil, and as six elderly subjects aged over 98 years in a position to respond to the interview in his home. The instruments used for data collection were structured interviews and in depth, recorded and transcribed verbatim, after the participants signed a consent form. The method used for data analysis was recommended by Bardin - Content Analysis. The project followed the ethical guidelines of the National Health Council, which preserved the anonymity of the respondents for their cognominação with names of birds. RESULTS. The reports most frequently observed and interviewed were transformed into five categories as follows: Category 1 - It was very good to my life!, Category 2 - I like it when I have to talk to, Category 3 - The friendship I value family a lot; Category 4 - The family sends my money and Category 5 - I was always charitable. CONCLUSION: the personality characteristics of the respondent, namely, extroversion, low neuroticism, kindness and consciensiosidade, the presence of family support and the subjective feeling of autonomy seem to have contributed positively to their quality of life and health. It was also observed that the respondents escaped from aging-related diseases, and maintained their independence until very advanced ages. Further studies are needed in order to understand the extreme longevity and also foster the creation of public policies for a better quality of life and support for this age group.