Caring for the elderly: a women’s issue?

Abstract

Gender is considered for many researchers a factor that influences the elderly’s caregiver choice. This narrative review aims to reflect about the culture as determinant agent of woman's choice as responsible for caring. This article recommends a review of the criteria for choosing caregivers, in order to establish the role of caring to the family member that is more capable to accomplish it, not being genre its major determinant. We reinforce the need for developing social policies focusing on women, considering the burden that affects caregivers. It is discussed the social value attributed to caring activity and the importance of making it more favorable to caregivers. It is concluded that debating on the influence of culture on this predominantly female activity is a complex task, but necessary when it is aimed improvements for those involved in the context of caring.

Keywords

• Cultura
• Gênero
• Mulheres
• Cuidadores, Idosos