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Abstract(s)
Demographic ageing is currently a major concern worldwide and has been growing at an accelerated pace, which is why it is important to reflect on the aspects that can be preponderant in the process of growing old. Therefore, this study aims to understand the perspective of elderly people in Póvoa de Varzim regarding the factors that influence (in)equality in health, as well as social isolation and loneliness. A qualitative study was carried out and a total of 37 participants were recruited to take part in 4 focus groups, using the intentional non-probabilistic sampling method. The focus groups were analyzed on the basis of thematic analysis. Findings show that the factors that seem to influence health inequalities are related to accessibility to health services (general functioning and appointments), as well as socioeconomic and demographic aspects, which are also at the heart of social isolation and loneliness, alongside community factors. These results have contributed to a better understanding of existing health inequalities and how older people perceive social isolation and loneliness, thus making it possible to understand the helical process inherent in the subject under study. In this way, it has allowed the development of possible actions and/or strategies at the level of policies and the organization of services and communities, in which the Occupational Therapist also plays a fundamental role that will contribute to a transformation of the ageing paradigm and the promotion of a healthy life for older people.
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Keywords
Qualitative study Older people Health inequalities Social isolation Loneliness