Promoting Active and Healthy Aging

Old age is not merely a set of negative aspects, as society often suggests. On the contrary, it brings with it opportunities to live life with maturity, wisdom, and happiness. Aging is an irreversible biological process, but it can be experienced pleasantly, making it as successful a life stage as any other (Mediondo, 2002).

The natural course of life leads human beings to greater fragility, and although this is not a universal rule, it is common to observe that older individuals require additional support measures. The institutionalization of the elderly is becoming increasingly frequent, not only due to the fast-paced modern lifestyle but also because social care services have significantly improved in quality.

The stigma that once surrounded the institutionalization of elderly people has now been overcome, and these facilities are increasingly seen as alternatives to combat loneliness, offering continuity in healthcare, emotional well-being, and social interaction, as well as opportunities for physical and cognitive stimulation.

Families are often unable to provide the necessary care, not only due to lack of time but also because some procedures require specific knowledge, particularly in physical rehabilitation, which can be provided by qualified professionals in Nursing Homes (ERPI).

The National Strategy for Active and Healthy Aging (ENEAS) was defined by the General Directorate of Health to prevent disease and promote health. To achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness, various public organizations were involved, including social and healthcare services, families, and the elderly themselves.

Not only institutions but also society, families, and individuals play a key role in promoting active aging. Each person should strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as this is crucial for achieving goals related to longevity, autonomy, and well-being. The ENEAS is based on four strategic pillars:

• Healthcare Services – Implementation of initiatives aimed at delaying the onset of diseases or reducing their severity. Chronic diseases should have a less significant impact on daily life, and efforts should be made to reduce physical and psychological disabilities among the elderly while promoting and encouraging their autonomy.
• Participation – Elderly people tend to reduce their social participation and even their involvement in decisions affecting their lives. Therefore, protective environments must be created—both physically and socially—to encourage their active participation. Investing in education and literacy is a key strategy to achieve this goal.
• Safety – Development of activities aimed at reducing risks and promoting well-being, while ensuring a safe environment for elderly individuals.
• Measurement, Monitoring, and Research – Enhancing scientific knowledge that fosters active and healthy aging. The development, monitoring, and evaluation of best practices should be carried out to ensure continuous innovation in topics related to aging.

ERPIs that offer comprehensive services and a multidisciplinary technical team are therefore privileged spaces for promoting active and healthy aging, in complementarity with family support and other social organizations. To achieve this, it is essential that these institutions maintain a person-centered approach, ensuring interpersonal relationships guided by the fundamental value of human dignity.

Carla Alexandra Neves de Lima Estevez

Social Work Intern

Lusófona University