[Therapeutic practices among elders in Porto Alegre: a qualitative approach]

This study had as its main objective to know, comprehend and analyze the use of therapeutic practices among elders who live in urban areas. With a qualitative approach, this research was carried out in the eastern part of the city of Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul. It processed the socio-demographic characterization of 24 elders randomly chosen and the analysis of the information collected from them regarding the use of therapeutic practices. The elders interviewed were in their majority female, 68-years old in average, with four years of schooling. The main therapeutic practice mentioned by the interviewees was self-medication. Another therapeutic practice that was mentioned is the visit to a health professional. The study considers that through the analysis and critical discussion of the theme it is possible to provide subsidies for the qualification of professionals in the field of Health education and of nursing work in general, thus favoring the care and self-care processes among elders.