[Health and ageing: a study of Brazilian masters dissertations (2000-2009)]

The scope of this study was to understand the current discursive practices and meanings that have been produced about the relationship between health and ageing. The study was based on abstracts of dissertations available in the CAPES (Coordination of Personal of Higher Education) portal between 2000 and 2009, accessed by using the following search words: aged, ageing, old age, senescence, the elderly and old people. Based on the material selected, 175 abstracts of papers, in-depth readings were made and analytical categories created. The conclusion was reached that there are several terms used to designate the people in the life cycle under scrutiny: the elderly, old people and senior citizens, with predominance of the first. Although there is still a negative connotation related to the elderly and ageing, this is changing. Several meanings are possible and coexist, forged in accordance with historical, social, economic and cultural factors. Many problems faced by the elderly may be intrinsically related to how they see themselves and are perceived by others. It is therefore essential to affirm and share the positive aspects of being old and the ageing process, ensuring care and protection by the family and society to this social group.