Vejez, discapacidad y pobreza: Sistematización de experiencias en promoción de la salud

Abstract

As older adult population increases, aging is a topic of particular relevance for challenges at political, economic, social and cultural levels. In Colombia, people over 60 years account for 10% of the population and it is within the most vulnerable groups due to factors such as poor education, poverty and disability (Profamilia, 2011). This paper is the systematization of an intervention experience held in Chapinero and Suba localities (Bogotá, Colombia-South America), at four different levels (individual, family, community and institutional) and with the participation of students from seventh and eighth semesters of Psychology Program at the Santo Tomás University and the United Network Program. This work aimed to understand illness, disability and aging by reinforcing life skills to ensure health promotion, and focusing on resources that enable families to face and solve problems. To do this, a total of 60 students, seven co-managers of the United Network program and 30 families at psychosocial risk worked together through multilevel interventive actions for 4 months. The highlight of this experience is the phenomena of old age, disability and poverty understood from a cultural perspective, as it generates awareness of culture influence over different health situations, as well as sensitivity and interest in inter-organizational activities on promoting health area.