The significance of healthy aging for older persons who participated in health education groups

Introduction: Different terms have been used to describe the aging process while avoiding the negative consequences of advanced age. In this context healthy aging assumes a more extensive meaning than the absence of disease, and includes a process of adapting to the changes that occur throughout life, related to the maintenance of a healthy old age. Objective : To describe the meaning of healthy aging for older adults who participated in health education groups in the Basic Health Care Service of Porto Alegre in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Method: A qualitative and descriptive study of older adults who participated in health education groups was performed. The 30 participants answered the question "What is healthy aging for you?" Answers were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Twelve categories emerged during analysis, the most frequent of which were: adopt healthy behavior, have a social and support network, keep active, be healthy, be independent and autonomous, and have positive feelings. Conclusion : Wider meanings of healthy aging were identified, which embrace issues relevant to elderly health, although more individual aspects have been described in relation to aging.