O Mestre em gerontologia e a perspectiva da própria velhice

Abstract

The contact with someone s old age mobilizes personal contents in middle-aged professionals dealing with the elderly, which produces effects on these professionals´ own lives. This research aimed at examining in what ways Masters in Gerontology conceive and perceive their own ageing process and future old age in the light of their personal and professional experiences. Interviews were carried out with Masters from the Post-graduate Studies Program in Social Gerontology, at PUC-SP, in the 40-60 age group and working in the area of Gerontology. Through a qualitative approach, the interviews were open and organized in a matricial reading for subsequent interpretation. This study has shown that the interviewees contact with the ageing process and the perspective of their own old age is a source of tension. Although they can already notice signs of ageing in themselves, they have not yet fully realized any limitations in their daily lives, despite half of the professionals interviewed having referred to a feeling of discomfort as a result of the awareness that they will eventually move into the aged population group themselves. Personal and professional experiences, all sorts of crises and suffering which these Masters in Gerontology have been through play a major role in the views and feelings they have towards their own ageing process. Paradoxically, they imagine themselves growing old, but without the limitations that old age brings. The knowledge acquired by the professionals interviewed associated with professional work contributed not only to reduce anguish in relation to their own future but also to produce changes in their daily practices, consequently helping improve their present life and future old age