The Social Representations of Old Age Among Brazilian Elderly Women

Objective: This study aimed to identify the social representations of old age among elderly Brazilian women. Theoretical Framework: The feminization of aging is a global phenomenon also present in the Brazilian context. This means there is a higher proportion of women than men, but this difference goes beyond quantitative parameters, encompassing gender and age discrimination, as well as professional challenges. Method: The study included 100 women aged between 60 and 83 years (M = 69.24; SD = 6.58). Most participants identified as married (39%), Catholic (73%), with a high school education (32%), and a monthly income of up to one minimum wage (32%). Data collection involved a sociodemographic questionnaire and a semi-structured interview, organized in an online form. The interviews were later analyzed using the IRaMuTeQ software through the Descending Hierarchical Classification method, which resulted in four classes of semantic approximation. Results and Discussion: The results indicated that the participants’ social representations are anchored in both positive and negative aspects of old age, recognizing it as a life stage also marked by chronological factors. Research Implications: This study seeks to contribute to a better understanding of old age among this demographic, as well as to encourage further research to support professional practices and interventions. Originality/Value: The findings of this study contribute to the understanding and discussion of female aging in Brazil by offering insights into how this group perceives and interprets their own experiences. Objective: This study aimed to identify the social representations of old age among elderly Brazilian women. Theoretical Framework: The feminization of aging is a global phenomenon also present in the Brazilian context. This means there is a higher proportion of women than men, but this difference goes beyond quantitative parameters, encompassing gender and age discrimination, as well as professional challenges. Method: The study included 100 women aged between 60 and 83 years (M = 69.24; SD = 6.58). Most participants identified as married (39%), Catholic (73%), with a high school education (32%), and a monthly income of up to one minimum wage (32%). Data collection involved a sociodemographic questionnaire and a semi-structured interview, organized in an online form. The interviews were later analyzed using the IRaMuTeQ software through the Descending Hierarchical Classification method, which resulted in four classes of semantic approximation. Results and Discussion: The results indicated that the participants’ social representations are anchored in both positive and negative aspects of old age, recognizing it as a life stage also marked by chronological factors. Research Implications: This study seeks to contribute to a better understanding of old age among this demographic, as well as to encourage further research to support professional practices and interventions. Originality/Value: The findings of this study contribute to the understanding and discussion of female aging in Brazil by offering insights into how this group perceives and interprets their own experiences.