AVALIAÇÃO DE ATIVIDADES PREFERIDAS POR PESSOAS IDOSAS INSTITUCIONALIZADAS: Identificação, disponibilidade e frequência de execução

Identifying and offering pleasurable activities (PAP) can be a potential measure for improving well-being. Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize which pleasurable and/or enjoyable activities are most preferred by elderly individuals living in institutions, in addition to verifying their availability and frequency of execution, according to the perspective of residents and caregivers. Method: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in an LTCF in the northern region of Brazil, with the participation of 31 elderly individuals and 15 caregivers, who responded to the PES-NH (Pleasant Events Schedule – Nursing Home Version) and a checklist with potentially preferred items. Results: “listening to music” and “listening to the radio” were the activities most frequently preferred in the checklist, both in the perception of caregivers (72.41% and 51.52%) and for the elderly (100% and 94.44%); “never practice” was the most frequent response category for caregivers (56.02%) and residents (47.53%). Discussion: the results obtained indicate that although the elderly achieved a reasonable average score for pleasant and available activities, the frequency with which they practice such activities is below the desirable level. Conclusion: There are activities and items preferred in later life, and their identification, availability and scheduling are necessary.