HEALTH AND RESILIENCE OF ELDERLY PEOPLE PARTICIPATING IN AN EXTENSION PROJECT AT THE OPEN UNIVERSITY FOR THE ELDERLY

Abstract

Introduction: Population aging requires understanding the factors that promote quality of life in old age, such as resilience, the individual's intrinsic ability to adapt to stressful or traumatic situations, preserving their health and emotional stability. Objective: To describe the health and resilience characteristics of elderly participants in the Open University of the Elderly (UNAMI) of the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS). Method: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted with 20 elderly individuals participating in UNAMI/UEMS in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The Resilience Scale adapted by Pesce et al. (2005) was used, consisting of 25 questions grouped into three factors: Factor 1. Resolution of actions and values ​​that give meaning to life; Factor 2. Groups items that convey the idea of ​​independence and determination; and Factor 3. Indicates self-confidence and the ability to adapt to situations. The data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: In the sample studied, there was a predominance of women (85%), white people (65%), those who did not live alone (60%), retired or pensioned people (80%). The average resilience was high (157.05), with 75% of participants evaluating their health as "good/very good" and there was no statistical significance between the levels of the resilience scale and the variables sex, skin color, family arrangement and self-assessment of health. Conclusion: The data found in the study indicate that the participants of the UNAMI/UEMS extension project have high resilience, a fact that highlights the importance of public policies aimed at promoting healthy aging.