How do old men take care of their own health in Primary Care?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the care of elderly men with their own health. Method: A qualitative study with the participation of ten elderly men, through responses to the semi-structured interview guided by the “Tell me about your experiences of care with your health”, carried out in a basic health unit, during the period of October-December 2014. The speeches, after being transcribed were submitted to content analysis. Results: The ten interviewees were retired and had an average age of 67.3 years. From the analysis of the data, two categories have emerged: Elderly health care ways and health service as a supporter in the care (less) of the elderly, which revealed the restriction of health care to the triad: medicines, consultation to professionals and exams. Final considerations: Institutional and sociocultural barriers that need to be overcome so that the male population can be consolidated, guaranteeing care of their peculiarities, encouraging active behaviors for self-care.