OUTREACH EXPERIENCE

PROMOTING KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE ELDERLY STATUTE AT A SOCIAL ASSISTANCE REFERENCE CENTER IN THE CITY OF FORTALEZA

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Law No. 10.741/2003 regulated the Statute of the Elderly in Brazil, establishing rights focused on physical, psychological, and moral integrity, as well as aspects such as socialization, autonomy, freedom, and quality of life for the elderly. However, this topic is underexplored. Social Assistance Reference Centers (CRAS) offer services, programs, and benefits aimed at preventing risk situations and strengthening family and community ties involving elderly individuals who attend and receive comprehensive family care. Therefore, it is important that CRAS guarantee all the rights stipulated by the Statute of the Elderly, making it necessary for the elderly to know their rights and duties. From this perspective, this research aims to report on the experience of an extension activity carried out in the Physiotherapy in Elderly Health course at an educational institution, involving lectures and activities with elderly people from the CRAS in the city of Fortaleza. Methodology: This descriptive research, in the form of an experience report, was conducted in 2024 in partnership with the CRAS (Social Assistance Reference Center) in the Presidente Kennedy neighborhood. The outreach activity involved approximately 25 senior citizens, aged between 60 and 90 years, who regularly attend the public facility. With the central theme: “Understanding the Statute of the Elderly Person through the elderly themselves,” the activity was structured around three pillars: I. Providing information – through the creation and presentation of an educational lecture on the rights guaranteed in the Statute of the Elderly Person; II. Developing cognitive activities – using bingo as a playful resource capable of stimulating memory, attention, and reasoning; III. Promoting interaction and socialization – concluding with a collective snack and dance, encouraging interaction and strengthening social bonds. Results and Discussion: It was possible to provide moments of learning, interaction, and leisure for the senior citizens present at this outreach activity. The initial lecture presented the main points of the Statute of the Elderly Person in an accessible way, reinforcing the importance of knowledge about the rights guaranteed to the elderly. Following this, the bingo game stimulated cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and concentration, and fostered socialization. Enthusiasm and involvement from the participants were observed, demonstrating interest in relating the learned content to their daily experiences. The activity concluded with a shared snack and a dance session, which provided relaxation, integration, and benefits to mobility, strengthening affective and emotional bonds. Overall, the results show that the intervention not only transmits knowledge but also fostered coexistence, movement, and the valuing of the elderly as subjects of rights. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of actions that promote integration and cooperation among students, enhancing the development of leadership and responsibility skills, and demonstrating the students' ability to work in teams and contribute to the well-being of the community. This reinforces the importance of continuing to develop outreach projects that promote citizenship and social responsibility.

Keywords: Physiotherapy, comprehensive health care, aging.