Envelhecer e ser velho: valores e ideais de velhice no Programa Cidades e Comunidades Amigáveis à Pessoa Idosa (OMS) e sua concepção no Brasil

Abstract

The work aims to discuss the values and ideals of old age in the World Health Organization(WHO) “Age-friendly Cities and Communities” Program. We analyzed the documentsprepared by WHO, as well as their organization, structure and requirements so that citiesreceive the certification of Elderly Friendly Cities, that is, what the purpose of thiscertification is and what paths have been taken for it to become effective. The problem isdefined by the way in which the ideals and values related to a certain concept of old age andaging are a structuring part in the organization of actions that define communities and citiesconsidered friendly to the elderly. Thus, we seek to understand the values and ideals that makeup these initiatives and how they influence and structure public policies. To that end,methodologically, we systematized these values and ideals in our documentary corpus, theiroccurrence and articulation with the general structure and guidelines of the program, inaddition to certain readings of these documents in the national territory. The main resultsdemonstrate that the planning and execution of projects and actions aimed at the elderlypopulation demand an effort to raise awareness and mobilize the reality of aging and itssocial, political and cultural consequences.