Envelhecimento ativo no processo terapêutico: estratégias e possibilidades de intervenção na psicoterapia

Abstract

Within the contemporary context of western society, old age is viewed as something to be ashamed of, a burden that signals the epilogue of life, the need for major basic care, and, above all, devaluation within the Western capitalist socio-economic scenario. Given this scenario, this study aims to understand the Brazilian scientific production in Psychology regarding the possibilities of psychotherapy interventions in promoting active aging. A qualitative literature narrative review was conducted, with data gathered from the SciELO and PePsic databases. The results indicate that there are several possibilities for intervention within the field of Psychology to promote active aging with the assistance of psychotherapy. From the reviewed literature, it was possible to map how psychotherapy has been approached in the context of aging, understand the offers of psychotherapeutic services and their conditions of access for older adults, as well as examine the effects of psychotherapy on this population's lives. It is concluded that, for psychotherapy to successfully promote active aging, it is necessary to detach from traditional clinical practice and that a focused work be carried out in a tailored manner for each individual or group of older adults, in order to listen to older individuals regarding their own issues, thereby reinforcing their independence and autonomy to experience old age.