A autoimagem e a autoestima: percepções de mulheres idosas usuárias de um serviço de saúde

Abstract

The aging process is heterogeneous and interferes in several biological, psychological, social and cultural dimensions. Men and women experience this process distinctly. Self-esteem and self-image are important dimensions to be analyzed, whose specificities, in the context of contemporary society are relevant and point out potential demands for the work of the gerontologist. This study aims to understand some aspects about self-esteem and self-image of elderly women. It is an exploratory and descriptive study, with the use of quali-quantitative methodological procedures. Participants of the study will be women (n=32) aged sixty or over, users of a public health service in a countryside city of the State of São Paulo, located in the geographic region of DRS III - Araraquara. It is also proposed a semi-structured interview with a professional who works there. In the exploratory study carried out, evidence was identified that elderly women who practice physical activity have a normal level of self-esteem, with tendencies at a high level and that low levels of self-esteem are rarely presented. It can also be noticed, variations of self esteem according to the race/ethnic self declared, being that the women brown lower levels of self esteem, if compared with the white women. The degree of schooling and economic situation have also been shown to be important factors in defining the self-esteem of older women.