Representations of aging for community health agents and nursing professionals: psychological aspects of the health-disease process

This paper addresses the aging process in the context of public health, with emphasis to human resources and to how aging is perceived by the public health professionals. The aim of this study was to identify the representations of the aging process for public health professionals and how these representations are expressed in health care, well-being and elderly care. The sample included 27 public health professionals, 10 community health agents and 17 nursing professionals. Two instruments were used, a sociocultural questionnaire and a questionnaire about aging representations. Data analysis included qualitative and quantitative procedures (Chi-square test). Among the main findings, the most representative words used in relation to aging were retirement and rest. For this sample, good family support and care were considered the most important factors contributing to the well-being of the elderly. When it comes to defining care, the most frequent concept referred to biological aspects. Moreover, this sample in general showed some knowledge about Alzheimer Disease. These findings can contribute to the capacitation of human resources. Health agents and nursing professionals should be guided towards construction of a deeper comprehension of the biopsychosocial context of the aging process.