Objective:

Analyze what health means to older adults, based on their experiences.

Materials and methods:

This is a qualitative study based on content analysis and semi-structured interviews. Twenty elderly adults who frequented a geriatric care center were selected intentionally and determined by means of a saturation index.

Results:

The meaning of health is manifest in the ability to do things. Accordingly, health is conceived as a useful means to obtain a benefit, be it material, moral or physical. Family ties are important and were even compared to health. The participants also equated health with the absence of pain and disease.

Conclusion:

Health is experienced by the elderly in a family context. Well-being is perceived as the ability to do things, even if pain and illness are present.

        · resumo em Português | Espanhol     · texto em Espanhol     · Espanhol ( pdf )