Thoughts and feelings about aging: a study of social representations in rural producers in Diamantino city, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Human aging is a worldwide phenomenon that can be analyzed as a natural, continuous, progressive and irreversible process, where there are organic, psychological and morphofunctional changes. The aging process is seen differently in each culture and can be marked by positive and negative aspects. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the thoughts and feelings about aging for small and large rural producers in the municipality of Diamantino - MT. METHODS: Participated in the research, 28 rural producers of Diamantino - MT, male and aged between 65 and 87 years old; 64.3% have incomplete Elementary Education; 67.9% are married and live with their wives, and/or children and/or grandchildren. Regarding the social assistance receipt, 50% receive retirement, 17.9% receive some Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC) and 17.9% receives none. The interviewees were divided into two groups: the first composed of rural producers whose ownership of property (ies) does not exceed 100 hectares classified as small producer, and the second by producers with property (ies) that total more than 100 hectares. For analysis, the Social Representations Theory and the Discourse Content Analysis method were used. RESULTS: The feelings and thoughts about aging were classified into the following categories emerging from the aging construct: Confrontation (46.42%), Despair (21.42%), Integrity (14.28%), Subjection / Submission (3.57%), Aggression (3.57%) and senseless (10.71%), presented in this article, show a general sample, containing the information of two small and large producers. CLOSING REMARKS: The thoughts and feelings attributed to aging are related to well-being and quality of life, and functional capacity, socioeconomic status, emotional state, social interaction, intellectual activity, self-care, family support, health status, religiosity, among others.