Vivendo longe do convívio familiar na velhice

This article aims to analyze the reasons that led the elderly to live alone or in long-term care facilities. This is an exploratory descriptive study, with a qualitative approach, developed in the municipality of Cajazeiras, Paraiba. Data collection was performed between groups of elderly people formally established in the city and in long-stay institutions, 25 elderly people who lived far from family life. It was observedthat there are several factors involved in the process that led the elderly to live alone or in long-term institutions, since the initiative can start from the elderly, the family and / or by decision common to both groups. This study made it possible to analyse the real reasons that led this group of elderly people to live far from the family. There is a clear need for studies in this field, as well as the clarification of society about the benefits and harms that family separation can cause.