Health promotion in institutionalized older adults

experience report in long-term care institutions

Abstract

Introduction: Long-term care facilities for the elderly (ILPIs) house vulnerable elderly people and should act as spaces for comprehensive care through actions aimed at improving those that seek to enhance its functionality. Given the increase in the elderly population, there is a need for institutional strategies that promote practices aimed at the promotion of active aging in these settings. Objective: To compare the activities carried out with elderly people in privately funded ILPIs, evaluating the role of ILPIs as potential spaces for active and dignified aging. Experience Report: A qualitative and descriptive study was conducted through an extension project led by health students from a private college in Belo Horizonte with elderly people in for-profit and non-profit ILPIs in the capital. Ten activities were developed weekly in each institution, aimed at stimulating the functionality of this age group. At the end of each meeting, the students applied standardized questionnaires to assess the effectiveness and particularities of the participating elderly people. The products generated promoted a recreational component that strengthened the autonomy and socialization of institutionalized elderly people. However, in both ILPIs, difficulties were observed in involving the elderly in the activities, requiring adaptations for greater adherence by this group. Final Considerations: The field experience highlighted the importance of interventions involving health promotion, disease prevention, and psychosocial support. The activities carried out demonstrated benefits for the well-being of the elderly and for the training of extension students.