A Educação Social na promoção da autonomia funcional, nasrelações sociais e na qualidade de vida das pessoas idosas emServiço de Apoio Domiciliário

Aging presents significant challenges to maintaining the quality of life of older adults, particularly regarding functional autonomy, independence, and social isolation. In this context, Social Education plays an essential role in promoting and educating older adults about health to support active and healthy aging. The project “Aprender a Ser” (“Learning to Be”), developed as part of the curricular internship for the Social Education course, aimed to promote functional autonomy and socialization among individuals receiving Home Support Services. The Action-Research methodology was employed, using various evaluation tools (observation grids and the Barthel Index (2003), Lawton and Brody Index (1969), and WHOQOL-OLD scales). The intervention prioritized five participants, implementing a socio-educational action plan to promote autonomy in daily living activities and socialization among peers and family members. Results of the intervention showed improved perceptions of quality of life (WHOQOL-OLD); however, no significant changes were observed in functional autonomy (Barthel and Lawton & Brody). The analysis of these results suggests that socio-educational interventions by Social Education contribute to improving the quality of life and instrumental daily living abilities of older adults. Nevertheless, maintaining autonomy throughout the aging process remains crucial, underscoring the need for ongoing socio-educational actions focusing on motor skills training, functional autonomy, and the development of social relationships.