Quality of life: perception of elders in a Family Health Unit

Abstract

Objective: to investigate the perception of a group of elderly in a Family Health Unit of Recife/PE, about quality of life. Method: qualitative study, conducted with ten elderly during home visits in April 2011, using semi-structured interview using a voice recorder. The material was analyzed through content analysis technique. Results: three categories were extracted: the definition of what is quality of life for the elderly, the significance of the loss of functional capacity and autonomy and the importance of home and family relationships. Conclusion: emerged clearly from the perception of older people that for them the quality of life is conditioned by the absence of disease, possession of a good financial resources, access to health services and family support to carry out their daily activities and caring

Keywords

• atenção primária à saúde
• assistência a idosos
• qualidade de vida