Health Promotion in Older Adults: An Experience Report by Nursing Students in Long Term Care Institutions.

Abstract

Population aging is an increasing reality in Brazil and worldwide, making the
development of strategies aimed at health promotion, disease prevention, and improving the
quality of life of older adults essential. In this context, Long-Term Care Institutions for Older
Adults (ILPIs) represent important settings for the development of educational and
socialization actions that support healthy and active aging. Method: This study is
characterized as an experience report with a descriptive nature and qualitative approach,
developed based on the experiences of Nursing students participating in the Elderly Health
Care Project (PROASI), linked to UNICIR – Faculdade do Cariri Paraibano. The activities
were carried out in a philanthropic Long-Term Care Institution for Older Adults (ILPI),
located in the Cariri region of Paraíba, under the supervision and guidance of the project’s
coordinating professor. The actions were developed through prior planning, training sessions,
and the implementation of educational, recreational, and socialization activities aimed at
institutionalized older adults. Results: The activities demonstrated high adherence and
participation among older adults, promoting social interaction, strengthening self-esteem, and
developing cognitive and motor functions. Greater involvement of participants was observed
during the proposed activities, in addition to the promotion of well-being, communication,
and appreciation of life experiences. The extension actions also contributed to the academic
development of the students, enabling the integration between theory and practice and the
development of skills related to humanized care. Conclusion: The actions developed
demonstrated the importance of health education and recreational activities as strategies for
promoting healthy aging and improving the quality of life of older adults. In addition to the
benefits provided to residents of the long-term care institution, the experience strengthened
the academic training of Nursing students, reaffirming the relevance of university extension
in the development of ethical, critical professionals committed to health promotion and
humanized care.