Musculoskeletal disorders of older adults: an integrative literature review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze in available scientific literature what problems are caused to the musculoskeletal system of caregivers of older adults in the home environment. Methods: an integrative literature review indexed in the PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, SCOPUS, BDENF, LILACS and SciELO databases. Results: the sample totaled 17 studies that showed three thematic categories: Care overload for caregivers’ health; Caregivers’ physical illness; Caregiver self-neglect. Conclusion: the evidence identified health problems for caregivers of older adults, regarding the musculoskeletal system, demonstrating the importance of considering intervention strategies that provide guidelines for self-care guidelines, in order to prevent musculoskeletal complications resulting from older adults’ care activities at home.