Moradia digna e pessoa idosa: percepções socioambientais e climáticas no contexto do programa Vida Longa

Abstract

Population aging, which has intensified over recent decades, has highlighted the need for a deeper understanding of the factors influencing older adults' quality of life, particularly in light of challenges related to housing, the urban environment, and climate change. In this context, the present study aimed to analyze the relationship between socio-environmental and climatic factors, housing conditions, and the quality of life of older adults residing in the Vida Longa Program in the municipality of São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil, considering both the home environment and the surrounding neighborhood. This cross-sectional study adopted a mixed-methods, exploratory, and descriptive design, developed through a participatory approach centered on older adults. After participants provided informed consent, instruments were administered to assess quality of life and social relationships, including the WHOQOL-BREF and the Minimum Relationship Map (MRM). Semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and participatory activities were also conducted to identify housing-related aspects, neighborhood characteristics, and socio-environmental conditions perceived by residents. As part of this process, a participatory co-diagnosis was developed, supporting the construction of a SWOT matrix to systematize the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats identified by participants. Subsequently, the matrix was validated with residents and local management. The findings revealed that quality of life is directly associated with the characteristics of the living environment. Factors such as ventilation, natural lighting, accessibility, the presence of green spaces, and thermal comfort were identified as important contributors to well-being. Conversely, structural problems, dampness, limitations related to the thermal performance of housing units, and challenges observed in the surrounding area were identified as factors that may negatively affect the aging experience. Participants also reported discomfort associated with periods of extreme heat, cold weather, and extreme climate events, highlighting the influence of neighborhood conditions on daily life and well-being. It was concluded that housing, territorial, and climatic factors directly affect the aging experience and residents' quality of life. The findings reinforce the importance of considering the needs and perceptions of this population in the planning and management of housing, urban development, and climate adaptation policies, contributing to the promotion of healthy aging in contexts of socio-environmental vulnerability.