Storytelling: a care technology in continuing education for active ageing

Rev Bras Enferm. 2016 Nov-Dec;69(6):1132-1139. doi: 10.1590/0034-7167-2016-0390.
[Article in Portuguese, English]

Abstract

Objective:: assessing relevance and effectiveness of care/educational technology in the form of "storytelling" as a strategy in the cultivation of active ageing (AA) for elderly users of a Basic Health Unit (BHU), from the Amazon region.

Method:: convergent care research (CCR) held in a BHU in Belém, state of Pará, with eight elderly ladies for testing this technology. An active ageing assessment questionnaire and WHOQOL-BREF - quality of life assessment were applied. After training with a view to continuing education, elderly ladies told stories for an audience that addressed the question: "What did you learn from it for your life?"

Results:: tThe popular stories elicited reactions from which the following categories emerged: solidarity; respect for the other; imagination, dreams, hopes and culture of the Amazonian. This practice had a positive result, producing changes in the quality of life of the elderly, particularly in the psychological domain.

Conclusion:: "storytelling" proved to be an innovative technology, a relevant and effective resource in health education, especially for active ageing.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Animals
  • Brazil
  • Female
  • Health Services for the Aged
  • Humans
  • Nursing Process*
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Quality of Life*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires