Construindo a integridade familiar no fim da vida

Abstract

Family integrity is a normal challenge to the development of elderly people, influenced by family factors. This study aims at contributing to a better understanding of family integrity in later life. A semi-structured open interview (based on King & Wynne, 2004) was administered to 8 participants aged over 64 years old. Main results suggest that family integrity is influenced by: i) identity readjustment supported by a life philosophy; ii) existence of emotional proximity in family relationships; iii) acceptation of past or present conflicts; iv) satisfaction with the legacy transmission; v) continuity in family relationships; vi) life projects centred on the future. Family integrity does not exclude negative current or past events, but involves the acceptance of life as it is/was, integrating all life in a peaceful meaning. The intervention must help elderly people accepting the self and the other, so the path to family integrity is facilitated.