The importance of care and assistance for the elderly in primary health care

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the aging of the Brazilian population, as its significant increase poses challenges to the Unified Health System (SUS), especially in the field of Primary Health Care (PHC), which plays a fundamental role in coordinating and promoting elderly health. PHC, being the communication center with the SUS Healthcare Network, must organize the flow of health services, from the simplest to the most complex. Therefore, it is essential for continuous care; however, the shortage of trained professionals, service overload, and fragmented care challenge its longitudinally and quality. Furthermore, the complexity of elderly care requires an interdisciplinary approach, involving doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, and other health professionals, ensuring a biopsychosocial approach. Strengthening PHC is essential to prevent complications, reduce unnecessary hospitalizations, and promote healthy aging. The methodology adopted in this work was an integrative literature review, covering studies from the last 10 years, focusing on practices, challenges, and health policies aimed at elderly care in PHC. The research highlighted the importance of an interdisciplinary approach and the articulation between health care levels to improve the quality of life of the elderly.