The social identity of older adults from the perspective of children

Abstract Objective : To reveal children’s perceptions about the social identity of older adults. Methods : A qualitative and exploratory-descriptive study was carried out with 17 children enrolled in the 4th year of elementary education of a private educational institution located in southern Brazil. For data collection, a semi-structured individual interview was used, together with graphic elucidation and storytelling, the audio of which was recorded, transcribed in full and analyzed by lexical analysis using the IRaMuTeQ® software, based on the Descending Hierarchical Classification. The Social Identity proposed by Berger and Luckmann was used as an analytical reference. Results : Six classes emerged, revealing that the children attribute dependency to the older adults, with aging reduced to a phase of weaknesses and limitations, but opportune for leisure. The health conditions of the older adults were related to the natural wear of aging and the results of previous choices, from healthy habits perpetuated throughout life. Conclusion : The social identity of the older adults from the perception of children is linked to senescence and senility that alter daily life in an adaptable but natural manner.