Housing for elderly people: a critical look at the adequacy of housing in the Vida Longa de Araraquara- SP

• Grant number: 24/02041-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Luzia Cristina Antoniossi Monteiro
• Grantee: Maria Fernanda Colela Rodrigues
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of the Vila Dignidade Program (currently Vida Longa) in providing adequate housing for the elderly population, promoting independence and well-being. The program aims to provide housing adapted to the specific needs of the elderly, ensuring accessibility and comfort. In this sense, the central objective of the research is to carry out a thorough analysis of the housing conditions offered by Vila Dignidade, with the aim of investigating the suitability of these homes in relation to the functional demands of the elderly. The study will employ a quantitative-qualitative approach, using the adapted Brazilian Oars Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire (BOMFAQ) as a data collection instrument. In addition, semi-structured interviews will be provided to capture residents' perceptions of adequate housing design. It is expected to identify correlations between the functional capacity of the elderly and the characteristics of the housing provided. The results will also guide external public policies for housing the elderly population. The conclusions received from this study intend to provide recommendations to improve the Vila Dignidade Program, promoting housing that is more aligned with the needs of the elderly and, consequently, improving their quality of life.