How do old men take care of their own health in Primary Care?

OBJECTIVE

To understand the care of elderly men with their own health.

METHOD

A qualitative study with the participation of ten elderly men, through responses to the semi-structured interview guided by the "Tell me about your experiences of care with your health", carried out in a basic health unit, during the period of October-December 2014. The speeches, after being transcribed were submitted to content analysis.

RESULTS

The ten interviewees were retired and had an average age of 67.3 years. From the analysis of the data, two categories have emerged: Elderly health care ways and health service as a supporter in the care (less) of the elderly, which revealed the restriction of health care to the triad: medicines, consultation to professionals and exams.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

Institutional and sociocultural barriers that need to be overcome so that the male population can be consolidated, guaranteeing care of their peculiarities, encouraging active behaviors for self-care.