O isolamento social das pessoas idosas na freguesia de Alqueidão, Figueira da Foz e as estratégias locais de intervenção em rede

Abstract

Demographic aging has been increasing over the years and, consequently, so does the social vulnerability. Older people face several losses and changes in their daily routine,which can lead to social isolation. The network intervention recognizes the elderly person as a human being that is inconstant interaction with the physical and social environment (cf. Guédon, 1984: 18 cit inGuadalupe, 2010: 114). During the intervention, the focus is placed on the individualproblem of the elderly person, but the problem-situation is addressed in the larger context -the strategy for change is not only at the individual level, but also at community and territorial level (cf. Silva, 2001: 15 cit in Guadapule, 2010: 114). The object of this research is the existential conditions of elderly people of Alqueidão,Figueira da Foz in a situation of social isolation. It aims to identify situations of social isolation of the elderly in Alqueidão and to identify local social responses. Therefore, based on a diagnosis with the participation of elderly people, local political leaders and professionals from social services and equipment, it proposes the construction of a Project for the Social Integration of Older People. Using an action-research methodology and a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven social work professionals and local political representatives and with five older people who live alone. The result was an important contribution to the construction of the social diagnosis, in which we can find some needs, potential and new proposals for intervention with the elderly. In order to support the network intervention of local services, the development of this project is carried out to equate partnership responses for an Integrated and Sustained Social Support.

Date of Award	23 Jul 2021
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Isabel Vieira (Supervisor)