Care of the elderly for the health of the body and mind in the services offered by SMS |

The municipal health network of João Pessoa offers several services aimed at the mental health of the elderly and this care is not limited to medical consultations, but extends to the innumerable activities offered in the interior and in the outside health facilities.

Cibele Almeida, a psychologist at the Comprehensive Health Care Center for the Elderly (Caisi), pointed out that the problems that most affect the elderly and their families, the mental health of the elderly is the illness, the loss of autonomy, the death of loved ones and the remoteness of children. It is usually badociated with diseases such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, stroke and grief that often lasts a long time. Depression can also occur with a lifestyle that promotes isolation and loneliness, "he says.

She explains that, like the youngest, the elderly must live with other people and maintain emotional bonds, have a healthy lifestyle, a good quality of sleep, a balanced diet, practice activities. physical and spiritual. "The practice of physical activity is a natural and effective remedy for the body and mind, provided that the elderly can choose a modality with which they identify more and compatible with their conditions physical, "he says

. Adept at physical exercise, Elenita da Silva, housewife, who wakes up early every day at the age of 76, is already starting the week following her swimming lessons. In addition, she practices physical activity twice a week at the Family Health Unit (USF) where she is helped, in the José Américo district, with the support of Expanded Family Physical Educators. Health Center (NASF). "Once I started practicing the activities, I feel lighter and even my body pains decreased," he commented

Every Tuesday, in the same USF, Ms. Elenita also attends to the group of older people who work as therapy. for her and 60 other people who meet to participate in various activities.

"I am 76 years old, but I started living three years ago when I went to attend group meetings, before, I felt like a prisoner at the same time. inside and I found the strength to relive in this group. "

Another member of the same group, Genilda Galdino, 69, reveals that she left a bad phase of her life after to have started attending meetings. "I just ate, I drank and I cried, I always felt very sad, but the activities helped me and this sadness is gone." It's fine to be part of this group that looks like a big family.

USF José Américo, other units also promote coexistence and interaction among older people, being coordinated by primary care professionals.

Family – In addition to therapeutic activities in which older people can be inserted, psychologist Cibele Almeida advises that the family should also contribute to the psychological well-being of the elderly. "The family needs to be informed about the problem older people are facing, more information, better conditions to help," said Cibele

She points out that the family should treat older people as a person with rights and homework and try not to victimize him by his age, encouraging him to lead his own life. "It is important that older people do not drift away, that it does projects in the short, medium and long term, that it meets the needs of the age, but that he always keeps his autonomy. "

Specialized Service – The Center for Comprehensive Attention to the Health of the Elderly (Caisi) is a reference in therapies for this public. On site, users have access to psychological counseling and therapeutic groups, in which they develop activities that improve their daily lives.

To participate in the activities, go to the Caisi carrying the identity card, the SUS card and proof of residence. The service is located at Praça Caldas Brandão, s / n, Tambiá district, in the building adjacent to the Santa Isabel Municipal Hospital. The service is held from Monday to Friday from 7:00 to 17:00

In addition to the Caisi, other services of the Municipal Health Network also provide psychological counseling to the elderly public. These are: Mandacaru's Basic Health Unit (UBS); Beach units in Tambaú; and health care centers (Cais) in Jaguaribe, Cristo and Mangabeira.

Physical Activities – Those who prefer to practice physical activities have the option of attending one of the three health academies established and maintained by the Municipality of João Pessoa (PMJP). They are located in the neighborhoods of Ernesto Geisel, Ernani Sátiro and Colinas do Sul. In the academies are developed activities such as aerobics, localized gymnastics, circuit, functional activities and guided walks.

Another option is the João Pessoa Healthy Living Project, which operates at 39 poles in the city, including 23 places, schools, family health units and health academies. Activities take place from Monday to Friday from 5:30 to 19:30 and from 16:30 to 19:30. People from all age groups can participate. Those interested should attend the poles that offer the courses and seek the guidance counselor.