Políticas públicas de saúde para a população idosa: revisão integrativa

Abstract

The elderly population has increased, becoming a concern due to physical and cognitive limitations that generate decline in functional capacity and affect the performance of basic activities of daily living, reducing autonomy and independence, making it less participatory in the care of their own health and society. Therefore, health policies and active aging programs seek to preserve independence, autonomy, and to prevent diseases, since they generate economic impacts for families, for the State, and for health systems. This study aims to contextualize the existing public health policies for the elderly regarding active and healthy aging. This is an integrative review of scientific literature, using the SciELO and BVS databases, with selection of articles with year of publication between 2018 and 2022, the search occurred in the period April and May 2023. The public policies through its guidelines ensure rights to maintain the autonomy and independence of the elderly, in addition to reducing the need for family care and the demand for health services (reducing financial costs), generates more quality of life and well-being. It is concluded that the elaboration of public policies has brought benefits to families, society and the State. Maintaining the independence and autonomy of the elderly reflects in lower spending on health services, reduced family care, improved well-being, quality of life, and keeps them active in society.