ELDERLY HEALTH: NURSING CARE IN THE CONTEXT OF POPULATION AGING

Abstract

Introduction: The aging population in Brazil requires comprehensive and equitable care, with emphasis on the role of nursing in promoting health, preventing complications, and maintaining the autonomy of the elderly. Primary care and the humanization of care are essential to improve the quality of life of this growing population. Objective: To understand how nursing care can contribute to the health of the elderly in the context of the aging population. Methodology: This is a literature review. Data collection took place between February and April 2025. The selection of studies was carried out through the BVS, with access to the open databases, SciELO, BDENF, and MEDLINE. The inclusion criteria are: studies published between 2019 and 2024, in Portuguese or English, and that are freely available. Duplicate articles, theses, and monographs were excluded. The search will be carried out using the DeCS: comprehensive health care for the elderly; aging; nursing care. The research was guided by the question: How can nursing care contribute to the health of the elderly in the context of the aging population? Data collection included a complete reading of studies that met the inclusion criteria. After reading, the extracted data were organized into tables and charts. Results and discussions: Population aging represents a growing challenge, accompanied by a higher incidence of chronic diseases and cancers, such as prostate cancer. This process, impacted by biological and environmental factors, causes physical and metabolic changes, increasing the risk of several pathologies. Nursing plays a vital role in promoting the health of the elderly, focusing on prevention practices, healthy habits, and education about aging. Encouraging self-care and autonomy is essential to improve quality of life, while community empowerment is fundamental for healthy and successful aging. Conclusion: Therefore, the relevance of nursing in the context of population aging is highlighted. Understanding nursing's view on care for the elderly and the aging process opens space for reflections on the current demographic transition and the growing demands on the treatment of this population. The study also highlighted the importance of continuous assessment of the teaching-learning process in nursing training, encouraging the review of how knowledge is being developed, with the aim of providing more dignified care and aging with greater well-being.