Abstract

Introduction

Population aging has occurred in recent decades in every country. In developed countries like the United States and Italy, the proportion of elderly in the year 2000 reached 13% and 14.6%, respectively, and in China and India, the elderly population exceeds the average of developed countries¹1. Gottlieb MGV, Schwanke CHA, Gomes I, Cruz IBM. Envelhecimento e longevidade no Rio Grande do Sul: um perfil histórico, étnico e de morbi-mortalidade dos idosos. Rev Bras Geriatr Gerontol 2011; 14(2):365-380.. In Brazil, there have been changes at the top of the age pyramid, reflected by the proportion of elderly people, which had an increase from 4.8% in 1991 to 5.9% by the year 2000, and reaching 7.4% in 2010²2. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). Censo Demográfico 2010. Rio de Janeiro: IBGE; 2011.. With this transition, the average life expectancy at birth in Brazil is 74 years, which occupies the 80^th position in the world ranking of the World Health Organization (WHO), in which the first position is occupied by Japan (83 years), according to 2013 world statistics³3. World Health Organization (WHO). World Health Statistics 2013. [cited 2013 Dec 15th]. Available from: http://www.who.int/gho/publications/world_health_statistics/2013/en/
http://www.who.int/gho/publications/worl... .

The individual aging process leads to biopsychosocial modifications, which are associated with weakness that may cause increased vulnerability⁴4. Lang PO, Michel JP, Zekry D. Frailty syndrome: a transitional state in a dynamic process. Gerontology 2009; 55(4):539-549.,⁵5. Vieira RA, Guerra RO, Giacomin KC, Vasconcelos KSS, Andrade ACS, Pereira LSM, Dias JMD, Dias RC. Prevalência de fragilidade e fatores associados em idosos comunitários de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil: dados do Estudo FIBRA. Cad Saude Publica 2013; 29(8):1631-1643.. Thus, many diseases can arise and generate limitations for the elderly. Health professionals are inserted in this context, in order to promote the health of the elderly and obtain a healthy and active aging process, as advocated in public health policies. Health promotion aims at reducing vulnerability and risks to the population's health through participation and social control⁶6. Brasil. Ministério da Saúde (MS). Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Política nacional de promoção da saúde. Brasília: MS; 2006.. Active aging focuses on optimizing opportunities for health and participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual and civil issues, as well as security, in order to improve the quality of life of older people and increase healthy life expectancy⁷7. World Health Organization (WHO). Envelhecimento ativo: uma política de saúde. Brasília: Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde; 2005..

Therefore, healthy aging promotion strategies are used, which must be anchored in health education that provides the individual's participation in groups, favours the increase in control of their lives, transforms the social and political reality and empowers them in decisions about their health⁸8. Rumor PCF, Berns I, Heidemann ITSB, Mattos LHL, Wosny AM. A promoção da saúde nas práticas educativas da saúde da família. Cogitare enferm 2010; 15(4):674-680.. Health education is an activity to be developed by health professionals, such as nurses, who play the biggest role in this process, which establishes the dialogical-reflexive relationship between professional and client and aims to raise awareness about their health and the their perception as active participants in their life transformation⁹9. Souza LB, Torres CA, Pinheiro PNC, Pinheiro AKB. Práticas de educação em saúde no Brasil: a atuação da enfermagem. Rev enferm UERJ 2010; 18(1):55-60..

In this perspective, health education is understood as practice for the transformation of individual and collective ways of life and, consequently, promoting quality of life and health. Thus, it is necessary to know the health education strategies that are being used with the elderly in order to identify certain gaps about the aging process, such as the lack of studies on activities carried out in health services that meet the needs of elderly and seek to promote health¹⁰10. Girondi JBR, Santos SMA. Deficiência física em idosos e acessibilidade na atenção básica em saúde: revisão integrativa da literatura. Rev Gaúcha Enferm 2011; 32(2):378-384.. Thus, the objective of this study is to identify the scientific evidence on the educational health actions aimed at promoting the health of the elderly.

Method

This study constitutes an integrative review seeking to gather and synthesize the results of studies on a specific theme, in a systematic and orderly manner, to enable the deepening of knowledge on the subject investigated and provide a synthesis of several published studies and general conclusions for a particular study area¹¹11. Mendes KDS; Silveira RCCP; Galvão CM. Revisão integrativa: método de pesquisa para a incorporação de evidências na saúde e na enfermagem. Texto & contexto enferm 2008; 17(4):758-764..

In carrying out this review, the following steps were used: theme identification and preparation of the research question, establishing criteria for inclusion and exclusion of studies, definition of information to be extracted from the selected studies, assessment of studies included in the integrative review, interpretation of results and synthesis of knowledge¹¹11. Mendes KDS; Silveira RCCP; Galvão CM. Revisão integrativa: método de pesquisa para a incorporação de evidências na saúde e na enfermagem. Texto & contexto enferm 2008; 17(4):758-764..

Data collection occurred from August to October 2013 and was conducted through online search of articles answering the following research question: What is the scientific evidence on health education practices aimed at promoting the health of the elderly? A person aged 60 or over was considered elderly, as defined in the Elderly Statute¹²12. Brasil. Ministério da Saúde (MS). Estatuto do Idoso. 2ª Ed. rev. Brasília: MS; 2009..

The collection of articles was performed through the Virtual Health Library (VHL), in which the International Literature on Health Sciences (Medline), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (Lilacs) and Databases in Nursing (BDENF) databases were used. The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) were also used.

The descriptors used were Health Education, Elderly, Aging, Health of the Elderly, Health Promotion and Quality of Life, and its standardized translations in “Descriptors in Health Sciences” (DECS). Initially the search for articles through the descriptor “Health Education” was performed and later the descriptors crossing was done, namely: “health education”, “elderly” and “health promotion”; “health education”, “aging” and “health promotion”; “health education”, “health of the elderly” and “health promotion”; and then changing the descriptor “health promotion” for descriptor “quality of life”. From these crossings, 1,651 publications were obtained (Medline = 713, Lilacs = 56, BDENF = 10, CINAHL = 842, SciELO = 30).

Inclusion criteria for sample selection were established for articles published from 2003 to 2013, in English, Spanish and Portuguese, available in full and conducted with elderly people specifically. The choice for publication period is justified by the finding, based on the literature search, that research in the field of health education and promotion of health of the elderly is most significant from 2003, the year of the Elderly Statute's creation. Reflection papers and experience reports, systematic and integrative reviews, dissertations, theses and newspaper editorials without a scientific character were excluded. Those duplicated in more than one database were considered only once. After the application of the criteria and search refinement from reading the summaries of pre-selected items, the sample was restricted to 11 articles.

A validated instrument was used for data collection, contemplating article identification, introduction and objectives, methodological characteristics of the study, results and conclusion¹³13. Pompeo DA. Diagnóstico de enfermagem náusea em pacientes em período pós-operatório imediato: revisão integrativa da literatura [dissertação]. Ribeirão Preto: Universidade de São Paulo; 2007.. Thus, it was possible to assess the studies’ methodological rigor and the levels of evidence of each article. Levels of evidence are evaluated hierarchically according to the study's methodology, which are divided into: I) meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials; II) cross-sectional study; III) quasi-experimental research; IV) non-experimental, descriptive or qualitative methodological approach studies, or case studies; V) case reports or systematic obtained data, with verifiable quality or program evaluation study; and VI) expert opinions¹⁴14. Stetler CB, Morsi D, Rucki S, Broughton S, Corrigan B, Fitzgerald J, Giuliano K, Havener P, Sheridan EA. Utilization-focused integrative reviews in a nursing service. Appl Nurs Res 1998; 11(4):195-206..

For the analysis and evaluation of the selected articles’ methodology relevance and appropriateness, an instrument adapted from the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) was used, which was previously validated¹⁵15. Toledo MM. Vulnerabilidade de adolescentes ao HIV/AIDS: revisão integrativa [dissertação]. São Paulo: Universidade de São Paulo; 2008., covering the following contents: clarity in identifying the objectives, adequacy and presentation of the methodology, adequacy of sample selection, detailed data collection and the relationship between researcher and participant, compliance with ethical aspects, rigorous data analysis, presentation of results and discussion and importance of research. In this study, a choice was made to select papers that answered at least 70% of the questions, therefore considered as having good methodological quality and reduced bias. Please note that the studies’ analysis and evaluation were performed by two evaluators. Therefore, after the methodological evaluation, this study sample consisted of eight articles.

For results synthesis and presentation, an instrument that contains article identification, database, level of evidence, year, goals, method, health education practices and main results was used. From studies analysis and full reading, the emerging thematic categorization of the articles sample results was made: 1) Quality of life as factor resulting from health education; and 2) Health promotion through Health education.

Results

The literature search in Medline database showed 713 results that were reduced to eight articles, after selection according to the criteria defined in this study. In the Lilacs database, 56 results were returned, of which three were eligible for this study. In the BDENF database, 10 results emerged, two of which fulfilled the criteria. In the CINAHL database, 842 publications emerged, 14 of which were suited to this study. In the SciELO virtual library, 30 results were found, which was reduced to nine articles. From the 36 selected articles, three did not achieve satisfactory methodological accuracy and 25 were duplicated, appearing in two or more databases. Therefore, eight articles remained, which were analysed in detail.

From these eight articles, four were published in Portuguese¹⁶16. Costa M, Rocha L, Oliveira S. Educação em saúde: estratégia de promoção da qualidade de vida na terceira idade. Revista Lusófona de Educação 2012; 22:123-140.

17. Martins JJ, Barra DCC, Santos TM, Hinkel V, Nascimento ERP, Albuquerque GL, Erdmann AL. Educação em saúde como suporte para a qualidade de vida de grupos da terceira idade. Rev eletrônica enferm [periódico na Internet]. 2007 [acessado 2013 set 15]; 9(2):443-456. Disponível em: http://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v9/n2/v9n2a12.htm
http://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v9/n2/v9n2...

18. Campos CNA, Santos LC, Moura MR, Aquino JM, Monteiro EMLM. Reinventando Práticas De Enfermagem Na Educação Em Saúde: Teatro Com Idosos. Esc Anna Nery Rev Enferm 2012; 16(3):588-596.-¹⁹19. Patrocinio WP, Pereira BPC. Efeitos da educação em saúde sobre atitudes de idosos e sua contribuição para a educação gerontológica. Trab Educ Saúde 2013; 11(2):375-394., three in English²⁰20. Rana AKMM, Wahlin A, Lundborg CS, Kabir ZN. Impact of health education on health-related quality of life among elderly persons: results from a community-based intervention study in rural Bangladesh. Health Promot Int 2009; 24(1):36-45.

21. Tamari K, Kawamura K, Sato M, Harada K. Health education programs may be as effective as exercise intervention on improving health-related quality of life among Japanese people over 65 years. Australas J Ageing 2012; 31(3):152-158.-²²22. Maldonado MLM, Muñoz EC, Núñez VMM. Program of active aging in a rural Mexican community: a qualitative approach. BMC Public Health 2007; 7:276. and one in Spanish²³23. Zabalegui A, Escobar MA, Cabrera E, Gual MP, Fortuny M, Mach G, Ginesti M, Narbona P. Análisis del programa educativo PECA para mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas mayores. Aten Primaria 2006; 37(5):260-265.. Among the countries where the studies were conducted are Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, Spain and Brazil. The majority of articles can be considered up-to-date, as five were published from 2009.

In relation to the study method, five articles are quantitative and three qualitative. As for the evidence strength, two articles of evidence level II (a clinical trial and a study of repeated measures), two of evidence level III (quasi-experimental), three of evidence level IV (two action research studies, one descriptive study) and one evidence level V (programme evaluation) were identified.

In the studied scientific publications, the educational activities on health aimed at promoting the health of the elderly were represented by educational programs on physical activity, nutritional status and social support²³23. Zabalegui A, Escobar MA, Cabrera E, Gual MP, Fortuny M, Mach G, Ginesti M, Narbona P. Análisis del programa educativo PECA para mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas mayores. Aten Primaria 2006; 37(5):260-265. with lectures, advice, exercise classes²¹21. Tamari K, Kawamura K, Sato M, Harada K. Health education programs may be as effective as exercise intervention on improving health-related quality of life among Japanese people over 65 years. Australas J Ageing 2012; 31(3):152-158. and functional kinetic exercises¹⁶16. Costa M, Rocha L, Oliveira S. Educação em saúde: estratégia de promoção da qualidade de vida na terceira idade. Revista Lusófona de Educação 2012; 22:123-140. with an elderly group. These programmes also used popular health education to discuss topics of interest to seniors¹⁹19. Patrocinio WP, Pereira BPC. Efeitos da educação em saúde sobre atitudes de idosos e sua contribuição para a educação gerontológica. Trab Educ Saúde 2013; 11(2):375-394.; workshops with directions and recommendations on physical activity and eating habits²⁰20. Rana AKMM, Wahlin A, Lundborg CS, Kabir ZN. Impact of health education on health-related quality of life among elderly persons: results from a community-based intervention study in rural Bangladesh. Health Promot Int 2009; 24(1):36-45., through lectures, presentations, case discussions²²22. Maldonado MLM, Muñoz EC, Núñez VMM. Program of active aging in a rural Mexican community: a qualitative approach. BMC Public Health 2007; 7:276., dialogued lectures, cutting and pasting, brainstorming, role playing and discussion forums¹⁷17. Martins JJ, Barra DCC, Santos TM, Hinkel V, Nascimento ERP, Albuquerque GL, Erdmann AL. Educação em saúde como suporte para a qualidade de vida de grupos da terceira idade. Rev eletrônica enferm [periódico na Internet]. 2007 [acessado 2013 set 15]; 9(2):443-456. Disponível em: http://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v9/n2/v9n2a12.htm
http://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v9/n2/v9n2... ; group counselling²⁰20. Rana AKMM, Wahlin A, Lundborg CS, Kabir ZN. Impact of health education on health-related quality of life among elderly persons: results from a community-based intervention study in rural Bangladesh. Health Promot Int 2009; 24(1):36-45.,²²22. Maldonado MLM, Muñoz EC, Núñez VMM. Program of active aging in a rural Mexican community: a qualitative approach. BMC Public Health 2007; 7:276.; use of performing arts¹⁸18. Campos CNA, Santos LC, Moura MR, Aquino JM, Monteiro EMLM. Reinventando Práticas De Enfermagem Na Educação Em Saúde: Teatro Com Idosos. Esc Anna Nery Rev Enferm 2012; 16(3):588-596. and distribution of posters and leaflets²⁰20. Rana AKMM, Wahlin A, Lundborg CS, Kabir ZN. Impact of health education on health-related quality of life among elderly persons: results from a community-based intervention study in rural Bangladesh. Health Promot Int 2009; 24(1):36-45.. The synthesis of publications is described in Chart 1, where the studies were identified by the authors, in ascending order of level of evidence.

The themes of the articles that comprised this study's sample include health education related to quality of life, active aging and health promotion, covering the descriptors used in data collection, which confirms the articles’ adequacy to the topic under study. The division of the studies according to thematic category is shown in Chart 2.

Discussion

Quality of life as factor resulting from health education

The process of aging with quality of life is a consequence of living without disabilities, with autonomy to perform duties, which provides economic and cultural independence to the elderly¹⁶16. Costa M, Rocha L, Oliveira S. Educação em saúde: estratégia de promoção da qualidade de vida na terceira idade. Revista Lusófona de Educação 2012; 22:123-140.. In this context, quality of life is understood as the individual's adaptation to the environment they live in different times and social cultures¹⁹19. Patrocinio WP, Pereira BPC. Efeitos da educação em saúde sobre atitudes de idosos e sua contribuição para a educação gerontológica. Trab Educ Saúde 2013; 11(2):375-394..

Authors¹⁶16. Costa M, Rocha L, Oliveira S. Educação em saúde: estratégia de promoção da qualidade de vida na terceira idade. Revista Lusófona de Educação 2012; 22:123-140. state that physical activity is one of the main factors for promoting the quality of life in old age, as it is effective for all populations, improves health and facilitates social contacts, providing it is adapted to the subject age group. This study, conducted in the city of Patos/PB, found that elderly people who exercise regularly, maintain social lives and are mentally active could guarantee their independence and live with a good quality of life level¹⁶16. Costa M, Rocha L, Oliveira S. Educação em saúde: estratégia de promoção da qualidade de vida na terceira idade. Revista Lusófona de Educação 2012; 22:123-140..

These results may have been positive due to the interaction between physical activity, social life and mental health, as per encouraging physical activity as a health education action, the interaction of the elderly with others and mental activities through active participation are promoted. In addition, the literature mentions that physical activity can contribute to the improvement of daily living activities and emotional well-being, as well as having an impact in the perception of quality of life²⁴24. Campos MO, Maciel MG, Rodrigues Neto JF. Atividade física insuficiente: fatores associados e qualidade de vida. Rev Bras Ativ Fis Saúde 2012; 17(6):562-572..

Another study that used physical activity as a means to improve the quality of life in old age was conducted in the Chandpur district, Bangladesh, and aimed to examine whether the adherence of health education intervention activities helps to improve the overall quality of life and their specific dimensions. The aspects used in the intervention included physical activities and recommendations on dietary habits, which were addressed through groups and workshops, as well as posters and leaflets. The social aspect was also addressed, promoting the realization of popular theatre, with documentary videos, workshops and meetings of community groups. The results showed that adherence to proposed activities contributed to improving the participants’ quality of life²⁰20. Rana AKMM, Wahlin A, Lundborg CS, Kabir ZN. Impact of health education on health-related quality of life among elderly persons: results from a community-based intervention study in rural Bangladesh. Health Promot Int 2009; 24(1):36-45..

Although this study has shown positive results in terms of improved quality of life in participation in activities, the literature cites the low prevalence of counselling for physical activity for adults and seniors in basic health units²⁵25. Siqueira FV, Nahas MV, Facchini LA, Silveira DS, Piccini RX, Tomasi E, Thumé E, Hallal PC. Aconselhamento para a prática de atividade física como estratégia de educação à saúde. Cad Saude Publica 2009; 25(1):203-213., which is worrying due to the possibility of professional-client interaction in these services, besides the understanding that the health counselling practice is associated with health education and all health professionals’ practice.

Corroborating these findings, a study in Japan found that an educational program focused on knowledge and exercise can improve the quality of life. Among the performed actions, the feedback to the elderly on results of initial tests can be highlighted, enabling the elimination of emotional stress and encouraging the search for strategies to deal with health conditions and increasing the level of health care knowledge and elderly self-efficacy, essential for quality of life²¹21. Tamari K, Kawamura K, Sato M, Harada K. Health education programs may be as effective as exercise intervention on improving health-related quality of life among Japanese people over 65 years. Australas J Ageing 2012; 31(3):152-158.. The feedback has a motivating function for the receiver, especially when it is positive²⁶26. Liz CM, Panariello JM, Viana MS, Brandt R. O papel do feedback na motivação de praticantes de exercício resistido. Rev Bras Ativ Fis Saúde 2012; 17(4):275-278. and can serve as a strategy to be used nested in educational health activities, as it will provide information to the elderly about their current state of health and can cause positive changes in their lifestyle.

The results also suggest that educational programs can improve the perception of health and vitality of the elderly, but the number of comorbidities may interfere with the effects of education and exercise programs²¹21. Tamari K, Kawamura K, Sato M, Harada K. Health education programs may be as effective as exercise intervention on improving health-related quality of life among Japanese people over 65 years. Australas J Ageing 2012; 31(3):152-158.. However, health education activities, especially those carried out in a group, can contribute to the health of the elderly with comorbidities, promoting their health and preventing diseases²⁷27. Dias FA, Tavares DMS. Fatores associados à participação de idosos em atividades educativas grupais. Rev Gaúcha Enferm 2013; 34(2):70-77.. The need to focus on educational programs for elderly with morbidities is perceived, understanding that these practices can benefit the health of these individuals and not considering that comorbidities may affect performance and results.

Educational programmes are a means to promote quality of life, both in the short or long term, as in the study carried out in Barcelona, where the programme included parameters of physical activity, nutritional status and social support. This study determined that the Educational Programme of Self-Care for the Elderly (PECA) had no effect on perceptions of health and social support strictly in nutritional status, which may have been caused by the homogeneity of the studied sample, which presented good health condition and social networks, besides presenting autonomy, when the Pfeiffer test was previously performed. Despite the limitations, participation in this type of educational intervention can strengthen the relationship of the elderly with health professionals²³23. Zabalegui A, Escobar MA, Cabrera E, Gual MP, Fortuny M, Mach G, Ginesti M, Narbona P. Análisis del programa educativo PECA para mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas mayores. Aten Primaria 2006; 37(5):260-265..

Educational interventions can be addressed in different ways, among which stand out the group activities that can promote social interaction and help to improve the quality of life, which will depend on the means used to conduct such activities, the approach and the elderly's needs. To improve the physical, psychological and social aspects, as well as the autonomy of the elderly, which directly affect the quality of life, nurses can promote group educational activities in order to strengthen the bond with the elderly, identify the factors that interfere with their autonomy and develop joint actions.

In the studies’ analysis, it was noticed that there is evidence in the scientific literature of educational activities that seek elderly active participation, however, those are still considered inadequate in causing behavioural changes in individuals and inappropriate for using methodologies that are not consistent with the principles of health education. Educational interventions are initiatives that can improve the quality of life in old age¹⁶16. Costa M, Rocha L, Oliveira S. Educação em saúde: estratégia de promoção da qualidade de vida na terceira idade. Revista Lusófona de Educação 2012; 22:123-140.,²⁰20. Rana AKMM, Wahlin A, Lundborg CS, Kabir ZN. Impact of health education on health-related quality of life among elderly persons: results from a community-based intervention study in rural Bangladesh. Health Promot Int 2009; 24(1):36-45.,²¹21. Tamari K, Kawamura K, Sato M, Harada K. Health education programs may be as effective as exercise intervention on improving health-related quality of life among Japanese people over 65 years. Australas J Ageing 2012; 31(3):152-158.,²³23. Zabalegui A, Escobar MA, Cabrera E, Gual MP, Fortuny M, Mach G, Ginesti M, Narbona P. Análisis del programa educativo PECA para mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas mayores. Aten Primaria 2006; 37(5):260-265.,²⁸28. Tavares DMS, Dias FA, Munari DB. Qualidade de vida de idosos e participação em atividades educativas grupais. Acta Paul Enferm 2012; 25(4):601-606., and health professionals should promote active participation of elderly people in activities¹⁶16. Costa M, Rocha L, Oliveira S. Educação em saúde: estratégia de promoção da qualidade de vida na terceira idade. Revista Lusófona de Educação 2012; 22:123-140., which should be based on the needs listed by the population²⁸28. Tavares DMS, Dias FA, Munari DB. Qualidade de vida de idosos e participação em atividades educativas grupais. Acta Paul Enferm 2012; 25(4):601-606..

Health promotion through education

Health education is one of the main aspects in the promotion of active aging²²22. Maldonado MLM, Muñoz EC, Núñez VMM. Program of active aging in a rural Mexican community: a qualitative approach. BMC Public Health 2007; 7:276., in which specifics aspects of old age can be adaptable to a healthy and active life¹⁷17. Martins JJ, Barra DCC, Santos TM, Hinkel V, Nascimento ERP, Albuquerque GL, Erdmann AL. Educação em saúde como suporte para a qualidade de vida de grupos da terceira idade. Rev eletrônica enferm [periódico na Internet]. 2007 [acessado 2013 set 15]; 9(2):443-456. Disponível em: http://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v9/n2/v9n2a12.htm
http://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v9/n2/v9n2... . Active aging covers the prevention and control of diseases, cognitive and social activity, social participation and health behaviours¹⁹19. Patrocinio WP, Pereira BPC. Efeitos da educação em saúde sobre atitudes de idosos e sua contribuição para a educação gerontológica. Trab Educ Saúde 2013; 11(2):375-394.. In this context, it is up to health education to promote healthy lifestyles by articulating technical and popular knowledge and mobilizing individual and collective resources²⁹29. Fernandes WR, Siqueira VHF. Educação em saúde da pessoa idosa em discursos e práticas: atividade física como sinônimo de saúde. Interface (Botucatu) 2010; 14(33):371-385..

The collective work encourages the development of educational programs for health promotion aimed at the elderly population. Note that in order to promote health through educational interventions, the way of thinking and living of the participants¹⁷17. Martins JJ, Barra DCC, Santos TM, Hinkel V, Nascimento ERP, Albuquerque GL, Erdmann AL. Educação em saúde como suporte para a qualidade de vida de grupos da terceira idade. Rev eletrônica enferm [periódico na Internet]. 2007 [acessado 2013 set 15]; 9(2):443-456. Disponível em: http://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v9/n2/v9n2a12.htm
http://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v9/n2/v9n2... should be considered because often health education is mistaken for transmission of health information, which disregards the popular knowledge²⁹29. Fernandes WR, Siqueira VHF. Educação em saúde da pessoa idosa em discursos e práticas: atividade física como sinônimo de saúde. Interface (Botucatu) 2010; 14(33):371-385.. In this aspect, popular education becomes important, since the contents and activities come from popular knowledge and the context in which the participants live¹⁹19. Patrocinio WP, Pereira BPC. Efeitos da educação em saúde sobre atitudes de idosos e sua contribuição para a educação gerontológica. Trab Educ Saúde 2013; 11(2):375-394.,²⁹29. Fernandes WR, Siqueira VHF. Educação em saúde da pessoa idosa em discursos e práticas: atividade física como sinônimo de saúde. Interface (Botucatu) 2010; 14(33):371-385.. In addressing the context in which they live, it is essential to pay attention to the aging process that affects the elderly, in order to enhance their skills and encourage changes that may promote healthy aging.

This perspective was found in a study conducted in Mexico that showed the possibility of enabling older people through an educational programme by providing spaces for social and emotional change, as well as the interaction of the elderly, besides demonstrating how capable the elderly is when they have the tools needed to develop change strategies²²22. Maldonado MLM, Muñoz EC, Núñez VMM. Program of active aging in a rural Mexican community: a qualitative approach. BMC Public Health 2007; 7:276.. Elderly functional capacity is influenced by the practice of activities, which promotes their integration into the community through the links created in the family and among friends and stimulates the search for change and health improvement³⁰30. Ferreira OGL, Maciel SC, Costa SMG, Silva AO, Moreira MASP. Envelhecimento ativo e sua relação com a independência funcional. Texto & contexto enferm 2012; 21(3):513-518.. In order to maintain the functional capacity of the elderly actions should be planned that promote health and prevent the complications resulting from the aging process, in which the elderly is perceived as an active person.

In this sense, a study conducted in Campinas/SP, which aimed to implement and analyse a popular health education program for the elderly, found as a result that the elderly, as educators of their process, presented attitudinal changes in lifestyle and health habits. In addition, the authors state that there were changes in old age image with more positive reviews, as well as an interaction able to provide a greater sense of fellowship¹⁹19. Patrocinio WP, Pereira BPC. Efeitos da educação em saúde sobre atitudes de idosos e sua contribuição para a educação gerontológica. Trab Educ Saúde 2013; 11(2):375-394..

Aspects that are commonly understood as influential in old age image are associated with the social environment, in which the elderly perceive themselves as being seen in their social environment, and how they see themselves influences how others see them³¹31. Moura GA, Souza LK. Autoimagem, socialização, tempo livre e lazer: quatro desafios à velhice. Textos contextos 2012; 11(1):172-183.. The educational activities in health need to be geared towards the promotion of elderly health and thus to improve their self-esteem and self-image, in order to maintain their social and psycho-emotional balance.

Increased elderly self-image and self-esteem was also observed in the study performed in Recife/PE, in which the education strategy to promote the health of the elderly was performing arts. This strategy provided moments of listening and reception, so that older people could express their experiences, establish interpersonal relationships and contribute to the active participation of all¹⁸18. Campos CNA, Santos LC, Moura MR, Aquino JM, Monteiro EMLM. Reinventando Práticas De Enfermagem Na Educação Em Saúde: Teatro Com Idosos. Esc Anna Nery Rev Enferm 2012; 16(3):588-596.. Most studies dealing with elderly self-image and self-esteem are related to physical activity, a fact that raises the originality and the importance of the methodology used in this study, besides highlighting the importance of playfulness in educational health activities.

The findings of this educational intervention showed that it cooperated to expand the elderly social network and self-determination, improving the level of humor, finding new ways of living/aging, articulated knowledge and expertise and facilitated the participation and empowerment of the elderly, from their experiences and reflection for changes¹⁸18. Campos CNA, Santos LC, Moura MR, Aquino JM, Monteiro EMLM. Reinventando Práticas De Enfermagem Na Educação Em Saúde: Teatro Com Idosos. Esc Anna Nery Rev Enferm 2012; 16(3):588-596..

The social network of the elderly is considered important to maintain their quality of life and health promotion, and the relationship between social support and their functional capacity should be further explored, for mutual benefit³²32. Brito TRP, Pavarini SCI. Relação entre apoio social e capacidade funcional de idosos com alterações cognitivas. Rev latinoam enferm 2012; 20(4):677-684., and all actors from the social network of the elderly should be included in health education strategies.

The changes in behaviour and attitudes of the elderly come from educational action that respects their values and beliefs, sharing their knowledge and provides a space for everyone to learn, teach and produce new knowledge, taking into account the aspects of aging. Therefore, it is necessary to know the social and cultural characteristics of the population, the way they perceive their health problems and how they solve them¹⁷17. Martins JJ, Barra DCC, Santos TM, Hinkel V, Nascimento ERP, Albuquerque GL, Erdmann AL. Educação em saúde como suporte para a qualidade de vida de grupos da terceira idade. Rev eletrônica enferm [periódico na Internet]. 2007 [acessado 2013 set 15]; 9(2):443-456. Disponível em: http://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v9/n2/v9n2a12.htm
http://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v9/n2/v9n2... . Little has been discussed in the literature on the knowledge of social and cultural aspects of the elderly, which are factors that influence their needs, making it a knowledge gap in the educational health actions.

Therefore, before developing health education activities, it is imperative to know the needs of the elderly, as was done in the study in the city of Florianópolis/SC, which presented as activities suggested by the elderly blood pressure checking and blood glucose control, lectures with multidisciplinary team, tours, yoga and hiking. Moreover, the authors state that educational activities for self-care are essential in order to incorporate healthy practices in the elderly everyday life, from the professional-elderly interaction¹⁷17. Martins JJ, Barra DCC, Santos TM, Hinkel V, Nascimento ERP, Albuquerque GL, Erdmann AL. Educação em saúde como suporte para a qualidade de vida de grupos da terceira idade. Rev eletrônica enferm [periódico na Internet]. 2007 [acessado 2013 set 15]; 9(2):443-456. Disponível em: http://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v9/n2/v9n2a12.htm
http://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v9/n2/v9n2... . This study was the only one analysed that resented this approach, but could have given greater emphasis to the cultural aspects and use active methodologies and strategies to meet the needs listed by the elderly.

Therefore, it is essential to realize the elderly as active subjects within their community, capable of promoting changes and improving self-confidence, besides sharing knowledge and, in doing so, promoting health education activities with other seniors, their families and community²²22. Maldonado MLM, Muñoz EC, Núñez VMM. Program of active aging in a rural Mexican community: a qualitative approach. BMC Public Health 2007; 7:276.. As an example of active participation found in the analysed studies, there is health education through theatre, in which elderly people may improve their confidence and personal growth and change their daily routine¹⁸18. Campos CNA, Santos LC, Moura MR, Aquino JM, Monteiro EMLM. Reinventando Práticas De Enfermagem Na Educação Em Saúde: Teatro Com Idosos. Esc Anna Nery Rev Enferm 2012; 16(3):588-596..

Thus, studies stress the importance of focusing independence, autonomy and life satisfaction of the elderly in health education practices, which should also consider the changes that occur with the aging process. It was also emphasized that the groups represent a health education space that encourages social interaction, where the dialogue is a fundamental aspect of the health promotion scope¹⁷17. Martins JJ, Barra DCC, Santos TM, Hinkel V, Nascimento ERP, Albuquerque GL, Erdmann AL. Educação em saúde como suporte para a qualidade de vida de grupos da terceira idade. Rev eletrônica enferm [periódico na Internet]. 2007 [acessado 2013 set 15]; 9(2):443-456. Disponível em: http://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v9/n2/v9n2a12.htm
http://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v9/n2/v9n2... . Dialogue is essential in educational practices for shared construction of knowledge, in which nurses must look at the context in which the people they care for are included and build with them, and from them, a continuous dialogic process to seek health³³33. Acioli S, David HMSL, Faria MGA. Educação em saúde e a enfermagem em saúde coletiva: reflexões sobre a prática. Rev enferm UERJ 2012; 20(4):533-536..

When health education actions are made in a participatory and dialogical way, prior knowledge and the history of life of participants are valued, which transforms the elderly into educational agents¹⁹19. Patrocinio WP, Pereira BPC. Efeitos da educação em saúde sobre atitudes de idosos e sua contribuição para a educação gerontológica. Trab Educ Saúde 2013; 11(2):375-394.. Therefore, health professionals, especially nurses, should propose innovative actions that fully meet elderly needs¹⁸18. Campos CNA, Santos LC, Moura MR, Aquino JM, Monteiro EMLM. Reinventando Práticas De Enfermagem Na Educação Em Saúde: Teatro Com Idosos. Esc Anna Nery Rev Enferm 2012; 16(3):588-596., with holistic and interdisciplinary perspective¹⁷17. Martins JJ, Barra DCC, Santos TM, Hinkel V, Nascimento ERP, Albuquerque GL, Erdmann AL. Educação em saúde como suporte para a qualidade de vida de grupos da terceira idade. Rev eletrônica enferm [periódico na Internet]. 2007 [acessado 2013 set 15]; 9(2):443-456. Disponível em: http://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v9/n2/v9n2a12.htm
http://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v9/n2/v9n2... , besides realizing old age as a different phase and not one of loss¹⁹19. Patrocinio WP, Pereira BPC. Efeitos da educação em saúde sobre atitudes de idosos e sua contribuição para a educação gerontológica. Trab Educ Saúde 2013; 11(2):375-394..

Emphasis must to be given to the understanding that when the health education activities are carried out taking into account all the above elements, and by adopting disciplinary, multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches, they promote the development of knowledge and the health of elderly people involved¹⁷17. Martins JJ, Barra DCC, Santos TM, Hinkel V, Nascimento ERP, Albuquerque GL, Erdmann AL. Educação em saúde como suporte para a qualidade de vida de grupos da terceira idade. Rev eletrônica enferm [periódico na Internet]. 2007 [acessado 2013 set 15]; 9(2):443-456. Disponível em: http://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v9/n2/v9n2a12.htm
http://www.fen.ufg.br/revista/v9/n2/v9n2... ,³⁴34. Melo MC, Souza AL, Leandro EL, Mauricio HA, Silva ID, Oliveira JMO. A educação em saúde como agente promotor de qualidade de vida para o idoso. Cien Saude Colet 2009; 14(Supl. 1):1579-1586..

These actions may use different methodologies, as shown in the analysed studies: educational groups, dramatization and educational programmes that may involve from physical activities to eating habits. However, in order to conduct health education as recommended, working together with the elderly is necessary, and not placing all responsibility for the acquisition of healthy habits on them, as the integration of physical, emotional and social aspects is needed, so that there is the promotion of active aging²⁹29. Fernandes WR, Siqueira VHF. Educação em saúde da pessoa idosa em discursos e práticas: atividade física como sinônimo de saúde. Interface (Botucatu) 2010; 14(33):371-385.,³⁴34. Melo MC, Souza AL, Leandro EL, Mauricio HA, Silva ID, Oliveira JMO. A educação em saúde como agente promotor de qualidade de vida para o idoso. Cien Saude Colet 2009; 14(Supl. 1):1579-1586..

Conclusion

The results highlight that it seems that the importance of health education to promote healthy aging is not being investigated in scientific research, considering the paucity of publications on the subject during the study period. Moreover, few studies have highlighted the family's participation in educational activities and that they should meet the needs of the elderly, which can hinder their adhesion to the practices. These gaps in the scientific community determine the need for innovative health education interventions that encourage creativity and are promote the active participation of all involved.

Health education activities for elderly need methodologies that attempt to the complexity of the aging process and list the factors surrounding the individual, such as beliefs, values, norms and ways of life. Thus, one must implement new programs based on the principles of health education and more consistent with the needs of the elderly, for simply taking into account the knowledge, culture and the environment they live in will make it possible to achieve the desired results.

Thus, more research on this topic is needed in order to increase the scientific evidence and expand the development of educational activities on health aimed at promoting the health of the elderly.

References

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History