Política habitacional para pessoa idosa na COVID-19: um estudo quali-quantitativo realizado no Palacete dos Artistas

Abstract

Longevity, marked by substantial demographic changes, exerts a profound influence on social dynamics, particularly in urban environments. Within this framework, dignified housing emerges as one of the main challenges, given the specific needs of older adults. The COVID-19 pandemic, requiring isolation and staying at home, exacerbated pre-existing biopsychosocial challenges impacting older adults, such as decreased social bonds and participation, chronic health conditions, financial constraints, and a reduction in healthy habits. This study seeks to analyze the strategies employed during the COVID-19 period; collect data on the service; identify residents' perceptions; and verify factors influencing self-perceived functional capacity and social participation. Employing a qualitative and quantitative approach, this study was conducted at the Palacete dos Artistas, a social housing policy administered by the Municipality of São Paulo. This residential facility offers 50 apartments for elderly artists who do not own their own homes, are independent, and whose income ranges from one to three minimum wages. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, adhering to the inclusion criteria: elderly residents of the Palacete dos Artistas during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those under 60 years of age were excluded from the study. The first stage of data collection was carried out through face-to-face interviews, using semi-structured instruments. The second stage involved accessing data on monitored indicators provided by the housing policy management. Content analysis was employed for qualitative evaluation with the support of Atlas.ti software, while quantitative data were analyzed with SPSS software to identify predictor variables related to functionality, with a significance level of 5% (p <0.05). Among the 25 interviews included in the study, the sociodemographic profile revealed 56% male, 52% self-identified as white, with a mean age of 76 years (±6.476), and 72% are retired. Regarding housing conditions, 82% responded positively regarding well-being during the pandemic period. The establishment and operation of institutional and community support networks stood out in the evaluation of the strategies developed. Donations of basic food baskets, measures to reduce rental costs, and mutual assistance were essential to face the challenges imposed by the health crisis. Self-management and solidarity among residents became particularly notable in a context marked by uncertainty. A significant association (p=0.022) was identified between a recent history of falls and difficulties in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Regarding performance in ADLs, a positive influence (p=0.003) was observed in living alone and in performing physical activities (p=0.010). A negative influence was observed in the greater presence of comorbidities (p=0.042). Furthermore, a high level of participation in advanced activities of daily living (ADLs) was observed in the social (96%), leisure (80%), and productive (64%) domains. Thus, the study found an active population with significant social participation, although a threshold of functional decline was observed. It concludes that strategies through the mobilization of institutional resources and mutual support networks demonstrated a resilient capacity capable of mitigating the impacts faced during the pandemic. The protagonism of the participants reaffirms the importance of environments that foster autonomy and independence. The housing model under analysis is a beneficial environmental determinant for the functionality of the residents, is in line with the social functions of the city, and favors the promotion of the right to decent housing, participation, and socio-spatial inclusion.