The experience of aging: a phenomenological perspective

Abstract

This qualitative study with a phenomenological approach looked at elderly people (60 years of age or more) who attend two Elderly Community Centers located in a state capital in Central-Western Brazil. The goal was to understand the experience of aging through the experience of people who are aging and its meaning for nursing practice. Phenomenological interview resources were used, with the following guiding question: "What is it like to reach this age? To live so many years?" The results showed that these people's main concerns are: to show that they do not lose their identity because they age and that, sometimes, in spite of their chronological age, they do not feel aged; they expect acknowledgement as citizens; they reinforce that being healthy is essential and grants them autonomy in their lives; they emphasize the importance of family support, life and care; they value financial independence and avoid talking about the finite nature of human beings.