SILVER HAIR, GOLDEN STORIES: SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY INTERNSHIP REPORT AT A LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY FOR THE ELDERLY IN PARANÁ

Abstract

This article addresses the results of a basic internship in Social Psychology carried out at a long-term care institution for older adults located in the state of Paraná, Brazil. For this purpose, 20 hours of passive and participant observation were conducted on site, focusing on institutional diagnosis and the reception of the residents. Throughout the activities developed, it was possible to identify the recurrent presence of feelings such as loneliness, longing, affective losses, and the need for recognition, which appear intensified in the context of institutionalization. This scenario reinforces the importance of practices that promote welcoming, qualified listening, and the appreciation of residents' life histories, contributing to the preservation of their identity and dignity.