De la indigencia a la institución : historias de vida de adultos mayores institucionalizados en una fundación de la ciudad de Guayaquil.

Abstract

This research aims to understand the life trajectory of institutionalized older adults and what led them to high levels of vulnerability and to be under an institutional protection measure, in order to identify the family living conditions that influenced the homelessness of older adults, and in turn, to understand the work and economic conditions of older adults, which led them to not have the means to meet their current needs, and finally, to describe the institutional living conditions of older adults residing in a Foundation in the city of Guayaquil. The study used a qualitative approach at an explanatory level and information collection techniques, such as: focus groups and semi-structured interviews, with a sample of 4 institutionalized older adults. The research reveals that the factors that caused the institutionalization of older adults were abandonment and homelessness. Abandonment and homelessness caused limitations to the satisfaction of basic needs. Through the research carried out, it was found that institutionalized older adults maintain physical and mental well-being; being part of a protection institution has caused their quality of life to improve. Through this, the aim is to make this social problem more visible and sensitive, so that programs and projects can be implemented that benefit this vulnerable population and improve their quality of life.