Aspectos sociais das relações entre depressão e isolamento dos idosos

This study analyzes how various aspects of social life may influence the outbreak of depres-sion and isolation in the elderly, based on characteristics of old age and challenges to aging. The characteristics of old age were investigated based on daily-life experiences. In the literature review the challenges posed to aging were outlined - some of an organic nature and others inherent to social life. The results indicated that old age is not the same as depression and isolation, but that its characteristics and challenges have favored the emergence of both.