Language and aging: written autobiographical practices with elderly

摘要

The population is aging at an accelerated rate around the world, and Brazil has been following this global trend. Brazilian public policies recognize that the growth in human longevity generates a series of demands for the entire population to age with quality of life and autonomy. This study aims to analyze the effects of written autobiographical practices developed by elderly subjects in generating individual autonomy and well-being. The study included five women and three men, between 60 and 87 years of age. This is a case report, with qualitatively analyzed data. The body of analysis consists of fragments of answers recurrently given by the research subjects in a semi-structured interview. This interview focused on questions about the activities of reading and writing developed by the subjects before and after they participated in meaningful practice with the language. From the analysis of the responses provided, it is possible to say that autobiographical writing can constitute an effective literacy practice, able to provide well-being, self-esteem, personal fulfillment, immortalization of experiences and personal stories, memories, and redemption of promoting attitudes of citizenship. Thus, this case study indicates that speech therapy focused on the increase of literacy practices with the elderly can meet the principles and proposals of healthy public policies geared towards the aging population, promoting autonomy and active participation of older people in the community, as well as increasing their chances of experiencing a healthy and successful aging process.