Resilience and vulnerability in ecological systems: Aging and public policies

ABSTRACT: The aging of the Brazilian population questions the role of health services and public policies, especially the care of dependent elderly and their families. We conducted a family case study investigating risk and protective factors in ecological systems (meso-, exo- and macrosystem) present in a physically dependent elderly, through semi-structured interview, the Structured Family Interview, Perceived Family Support Inventory, naturalistic observation, documentary research and a genogram. We identified various risk factors - as lack of social support and ageism - and protective factors - as home care provided by a health team, as well as legislation consistent with population changes. The importance of these indicators for the process of family resilience is stressed.