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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
06:52
Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
[Geriatric homes: a non desired "good"].
Maria Ermelinda Miranda Ribeiro Jaques1
1Uniuersidade do Porto.
Servir (Lisbon, Portugal)
|August 21, 2007
Summary
Elderly individuals face significant challenges beyond illness, including loneliness and distrust in social structures. Research in Viana do Castelo reveals seniors living in isolation with unmet needs and limited resources.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Context:
- The challenges faced by the elderly in the 21st century extend beyond medical conditions.
- Factors such as forgetfulness, social isolation, insecurity, and a lack of trust in socio-political systems significantly impact well-being.
- A field study in Viana do Castelo investigated these multifaceted issues.
Purpose:
- To analyze the complex social and relational conditions of the elderly population.
- To identify the resource limitations and unmet needs of older adults.
- To examine the disconnect between citizens' needs and the accessibility of support structures.
Summary:
- Fieldwork in Viana do Castelo indicates that elderly residents are increasingly living alone.
- These individuals often experience precarious socio-relational circumstances and possess insufficient resources to address their needs.
- A notable finding is the gap between the desired citizen engagement and the perceived distance and misunderstanding from support institutions.
Impact:
- Highlights the critical need for improved social support systems for the elderly.
- Underscores the importance of addressing psychological and social factors in aging.
- Informs policy development for more effective and accessible community support for senior citizens.
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