1st of October: International Day of the Elderly

Aging is an irreversible and inexorable process, not only
for us, but for everything that is affected by the passage of time, for example, a
house affected by exposure to climate change, an animal pet,
furniture etc ... The search for youth and the promise of immortality continue
permeating the social imagination. However, the progressive increase in
population aging and the extension of longevity makes us reflect on
how to live these conquered years.
It is expected that in two decades, Brazil will follow a path of
aging, which demographically mature nations took more than
a century to traverse. Everything indicates that after 2030, the population over
60 years will be larger than that of children and adolescents up to 14 years old. In
2050, the elderly will represent twice that young population.
Currently, among the elderly population it is noticed that many old people
assumed roles that were never foreseeable in other times. There are several
experiences that half a century ago would have been inconceivable. How to imagine in
old age the return to School / University or work? The divorce? The new
wedding? The arrival of a son when he has passed the age to be a grandfather?
Often old age has been the opportune moment for new discoveries and to experience a new life.
But not everything is flowers! Due to the socio-cultural influences that we are subjected to, it is impacting to face the consequences of this process. Like the departure of the children, causing restrictions in social life and
leisure. Compulsory retirement with which there may be a removal from
their labor and productive activities and, consequently, a reduction in income and
coexistence, as well as shaking in the sense of usefulness. The realization that peers are dying, or even facing up to widowhood and loneliness. The absence of valued social roles. The appearance of diseases or
comorbidities. The decline in beauty and physical vigor. The loss of full sexuality
exercise. The loss of perspective on the future. In other words, there are countless
challenges brought along over time.
Longevity still tends to be accompanied by chronic
and / or degenerative diseases, arising from the fragility of the body and precarious social support
. On the other hand, discussions about "active aging" and
"functional capacity", appear as candidates for new paradigms to try to reverse the old association between old age and illness. Currently
we are looking for new ways of aging, more consistent with the journey of
lived life.
It is a complex process. But even with all the aspects raised, it is necessary to reflect on the need to reframe and reinvent
old age. With longevity, we experience old age models in transition and
an important diversity in the ways of aging. The old cannot be considered as a single category, as there is heterogeneity both in the aging process and in the subject who ages. It is important to review the stereotypes associated with old age. The understanding of an internship conceived
only by losses gives rise to the new conception, that old age can be a
stage, which allows pleasure, conquests and dream realizations. In other words, there is the prospect of future plans in subjective and chronological construction, this one that
was only the last stage of the life cycle.
For active aging to be possible, we must pay attention, not
only in actions aimed at reducing the risk of illness, but which

provide quality of life at this stage. Macro-social factors such as:
political, social and economic issues are fundamental, but they depend directly on the organization of the society in which we live. Individual
factors such as: daily physical activity, healthy eating, judicious use of drugs and relational factors, such as: role maintenance, social bonds and expansion of support networks directly depend , the
protagonism of each subject. Faced with such questions, we realize the immense challenge of dealing with the paradox that is created with the increase in
longevity and how complex it is to seek an active and healthy posture in a context, which sometimes, it is exclusionary and invalidating.
Therefore, the old man is the protagonist of his old age, unlike
the past when the old man was transformed into a totally insecure and dependent being. Currently, with the advancement of longevity, formal education,
cultural and new life habits, we have greater tools to help
at this stage of life.
In addition to public health policies, which they certainly need
to accompany the old man in his trajectory, development and needs,
offering spaces for appreciation and listening, it is essential that the old man of today seeks to remain active, informed and productive. This path is
individual and depends on the cultural, emotional and affective conditions of the individual
to follow it.
There are many tools that can be used to keep yourself
long-lived active. It is essential to maintain the motor, cultural and affective skills,
finding new spaces in society to occupy. In this sense, the gyms for the development of muscular strength, balance, social and affective coexistence, as well as the public spaces for exercising, walking
while enjoying the landscape, can be alternatives
positive. Avoiding stress and reducing anxiety is an important issue
in old age. So avoid accumulation of tasks and problems, try to learn
the art of meditation, or simply have a moment of the day to relax your body and mind. Get together with friends for a tea, a beer, a game,
a chat, not isolating yourself and seeking the company of the people you like, making new friends, not just relating to people your family group
.
If it is possible to travel, visit new places, go with travel groups
or with a group of friends. Going out to dance, music and dance are good for your body and soul! Seek to be informed about the events of
the city, state or the world. Read at least one book a month. Learn how to deal with new technologies using mobile phones, computers and the internet. Learning new content activates the brain and keeps neurons functioning. Doing volunteer work, or doing something you once thought,
but left behind ... going to college, learning a new language, doing
manual work, writing a book, blog, letters ... And if a new love
appears, do not be frightened, as we are all alive and susceptible to these
events.
Fundamental, not feeling old, as we are all very young in this
world, which is 60, 70, or 80 years old, on a planet earth of billions of years!

Text written by psychologists Caroline Santa Maria CRP 07/14315 and
Maria Luiza Pradella Ramos CRP 07/02656 from the CEFI Cora team