Assessment of speech pathology and audiology alterations of the elderly population of Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil, and development of a program of health education

• Grant number: 10/09884-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2010
• End date: October 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Speech Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Magali de Lourdes Caldana
• Grantee: Magali de Lourdes Caldana
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

WHO in 1994 defined the quality of life as the perception the individual has of his position in life within the context of their culture and value system where they live, and in relation to their goals, expectations and concerns. It is a very broad concept that incorporates a complex way of the physical health of a person, his psychological state, level of independence, social relationships, their beliefs and their relationship to salient features in the environment. As people age, their quality of life is largely determined by their ability to maintain autonomy and independence. The aging process is slow and progressive deterioration of various organic functions, which may or may not be essential for the maintenance of life. This transformation becomes progressively faster as it increases the lifetime of the individual. This process is inevitable and can say that starts at birth. Changes in many of the structures and organs of the human body occur throughout life and are quite physiological. (GOLDFARB, MITER). The field of speech therapy is also concerned to know how is the general welfare of the elderly population, so it is very important to examine the elderly in the environment where he lives and not just focus on an individual basis. Thus, this study arises from the need to know the elderly and the environment where he is inserted, so speech-language behavior is determined to contribute to the welfare of the individual during the aging process. Considering these aspects, the objective of this study is to describe the main factors that affect quality of life of elderly in the city of Bauru, as well as develop an educational program. Therefore, the application will be held from 3 questionnaires. The first will collect data on quality of life of the elderly, the second rise data regarding socioeconomic and finally the third questionnaire will to list data on the general health and speech therapy aspects. Considering the data collected, the aim is this research is to develop a program of health education for the elderly and their families, as well as the speech assessment for elderly people who have complains of communication disorders, speech, hearing and oral motor. (AU)