Resiliência e envelhecimento: Mecanismos de proteção na adaptação aos fatores de risco na velhice

Abstract

Introduction: The course of aging represents a challenge for people who deal with declines in their physical and cognitive functions, the acquisition of chronic diseases and changes in social life. This context of changes and adversities requires flexibility in adapting and adjusting to situations, capable of allowing a balanced and healthy development in old age. Thus, adaptive processes and protective factors should be used to assist in the attainment of a successful and/or resilient old age. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between resilience and protection factors through the occurrence of risk factors in the context of aging. Methods: Two data collection and production strategies were developed, one quantitative-correlational (study 1) and another qualitative (study 2), both with a descriptive approach. Study 1 counted on the participation of 508 elderly, of both genders, aged 60 and over, enrolled in the basic health care network at Campina Grande, Paraíba. For the data collection,the following instruments were used: a Sociodemographic Questionnaire, the Inventory of Stressful Events, the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Resilience Scale, the Herth Hope Scale and the Social Support Network Inventory. Data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical program, where descriptive and multivariate analyzes were performed (p <0.05). After completing the first research strategy, we carried out the study 2 that included 15 participants (63 to 81 years old) in the 508 sample, according to their scores (high) in the Resilience Scale. Two focus groups were performed, the speeches were recorded, transcribed and evaluated through the Thematic Categorical Analysis. Results: In study 1, average age was 71.16 years (SD = 7.05, Min = 60, Max = 92). It was obtained a predominance of women (n = 80.3%), a majority of setuagenarians (41.9%), married (42.5%) and low schooling (36.4%) predominated. Satisfactory indexes of resilience (M = 138, SD = 5,10), of hope (M = 38.6, SD = 4.5) and social support (M = 3.80, SD = 1.12). Higher stress indexes were found for events affecting personal well-being (M = 11.28, SD = 9.9) and relative to finitude (M = 6.3, SD = 5.27). A significant number of participants with symptomatology indicative of depression (23.6%) were observed. Age correlated negatively with the indices of resilience and hope and positively with the indices of depression. The regression analysis revealed that 22% of the variation in the resilience index was explained by variations in the indices of hope and depression. Study 2 resulted in three categories: I) Social protection mechanisms; II) Personal resources; III) Adaptive processes for a successful old age. In all, there were 15 subcategories of analysis. Social support was emphasized as a protective resource in aging, as well as positive interactions between family members. Personal resources (emotional regulation, religiosity and spirituality, happiness and good humor, optimism, self-efficacy, altruism, gratitude) brought together positive emotional, cognitive and behavioral states and processes that were highlighted in discourses on resilience. Adapting to the changes that occur with the advancement of aging, maturation, acceptance, and building a positive identity about old age have identified adaptive processes that signal resilience. Conclusion: Aging and old age have proved challenging for the elderly. Resilience has been expressed in terms of a variety of factors that together allow the experimentation of well-being and satisfaction in old age. Adaptive processes have proved essential in maintaining successful aging and strategies need to be developed with older people who are more acutely aware of the negative impacts of aging.