A EXPERIÊNCIA DE SOLIDÃO E A REDE DE APOIO SOCIAL DE IDOSAS

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the feeling of loneliness in elderly women, and the role of social support networks as they experience this phase of their life cycle. It counted with the participation of five women aged on average 71.2 years old, living in a city in the state of Minas Gerais. This is a collective case, qualitative and cross-sectional study. A sociodemographic questionnaire, a semi-structured interview and the Convoy of Social Support were used. Their social support network was basically composed of relatives, friends, neighbors and religious groups. As for loneliness, the elderly women considered this feeling - negative to them - as different from the experience of being alone, which represented an enriching and encouraging moment for them to be in contact with their own individuality and to perform pleasant activities without the presence of other people. They reported that they did not feel loneliness at this phase of their lives, but affirmed that such feeling may grow stronger with age. The maintenance of social relationships and activities constituted a protective factor in relation to loneliness.