Affective memories of older adults regarding play in the far North of Brazil

Abstract

This study aims to register part of the collection of body culture in the city of Tocantinópolis, Tocantins, located in the North of Brazil, based on the play reported by the older adult participants in the Health and Cognition Project for Seniors at the FUNT (Federal University of Northeast of Tocantins). Thus, we carried out exploratory fieldwork and qualitative analysis. The field information was gathered through semi-structured interviews with 42 (forty-two) participants. The script of the interviews encompassed their favourite places to play, partnerships, toys, and general characteristics. The analysis of the interviews indicated 64 (sixty-four) manifestations, divided into 8 (eight) categories, according to their particularities. The reports also revealed some portraits of a childhood suffering from poverty and early employment. Furthermore, the rural environment was the setting of some records, using toys manufactured with natural resources.

Keywords

• body culture
• everyday life
• play
• tradition
• memory.