O contexto do idoso em situação de rua: vulnerabilidades e territorialização

Abstract

It is extremely important to understand the context of an individual who is homeless, the disruptions they have suffered and what led them to that situation, the stigmas and prejudices they face, and the process of exclusion and marginalization of this individual. Objective: to map the territorialization of elderly people living on the streets in the downtown area of ​​Manaus, specifically characterizing these occupied territories, describing the profile of these elderly people, pointing out the vulnerabilities that affect them, and proposing strategies together with the government and elderly people living on the streets. Method: This was a qualitative, descriptive research that sought to identify the territories occupied by elderly people living on the streets in downtown Manaus-Amazonas. As a support point, the approaches were carried out in conjunction with the activities of the Pastoral do Povo de Rua da Arquidiocese de Manaus (PPR Manaus). Ten interviews were conducted using three instruments: a) Identification Questionnaire; b) Historical Characterization of the Subject and c) Health Approach. The interviews took place at the Homeless People's Reception Center and at the Casa Restaura-me, with an individual and private approach. Results: Most of the elderly people interviewed were male, between 60 and 67 years old. They reported that they took to the streets as a way to escape from personal or interpersonal problems, and that there were other factors that influenced their decisions. All of them knew how to read and write. When asked about leaving this situation, most of them reported wanting to leave the streets. Conclusion: It is clear how vulnerable these people are, because in addition to their social situation, age is a worrying factor. The importance of effective public policies is highlighted, not only for the homeless population, but also for the elderly group that finds itself in this condition.