Risco(s) de Violência e Solidão na População Idosa: Dados Preliminares

Summary Portugal is one of the most aged countries in Europe. Given this reality, the quality of aging has gained particular interest, with the concept of active aging taking center stage. To assess the perception of loneliness and the risk of violence, 106 individuals aged between 65 and 103 years were interviewed, mostly women, with four years or less of schooling, living in their own or family homes, and perceiving themselves as healthy and independent. In structured interviews, sociodemographic data were collected, and the Loneliness Scale (UCLA) and the Elder Abuse Risk Assessment Scale (EARVI) were used. The results showed that those with a greater perception of loneliness were the oldest individuals (85 years or older), widowed, living in residential care facilities for the elderly (ERPI), and perceiving themselves as sick and dependent. Middle-aged elderly individuals (75 to 84 years old), as well as the oldest individuals who are divorced or widowed, never attended school, are illiterate, and live in residential care facilities (ERPI), exhibited a perception of loneliness considered pathological. Regarding the perception of the risk of violence, social isolation was the most prevalent factor, with higher levels of violence observed among the oldest individuals, those living in ERPI, and those perceiving themselves as sick and dependent. These findings allow us to conclude that greater vulnerability to isolation and violence appears to be associated with older age, living in ERPI, and perceiving oneself as sick and dependent.