Perceptions of the elderly and their relatives about aging

Abstract Objective: to identify the meaning of aging as perceived by the elderly and their relatives. Method: an exploratory, descriptive and qualitative study was carried out in 2014, based on semi-structured interviews with eight elderly participants of a social group and five relatives of elderly people. The information was synthesized using Bardin’s content analysis, from the description of the subjects’ speech in terms of units of significance. Results: content analysis revealed two thematic categories: the meaning of aging in the perception of the elderly and human aging in the understanding of the relatives. Conclusion: the perceptions of the interviewees regarding aging refer to successful, dignified and active aging, with autonomy, independence and the possibility of accomplishment, considering the specificities and difficulties of understanding the process of living and coexistence between family members. The caregivers reported concerns about the future of the elderly in terms of health, dependence, and physical, psychic and social limitations, with a combination of positive and negative feelings, but recognized their responsibility of care