Fatores determinantes do envelhecimento saudável: contribuições da neurociência

Abstract

The world's elderly population is growing at a level not previously registered. In Brazil, a forecast is that in 2040 there will be more than 150 elderly people for each group of 100 young people. In this context, this qualitative research consists of a narrative review, with the objective of learning about scientific studies on the nervous system and its contributions related to factors favorable to health, it means, making autonomous elderly people with independence and the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Specifically, it intends to help about thinking of more appropriate forms of treatment and living with elderly people in our environment, in homes and nursing homes, as well as in companies and institutions, in the development of retirement preparation programs, as well as for the creation of inclusive public policies for the elderly in our society. It is shown that cognitive training and physical exercises have beneficial health results, but most investigations have no evidence about duration of effects and the extension of benefits for cognition and execution of ADLs in the elderly. It appears that the aging process is multifactorial, the way of aging is different for different people and more investments are needed for studies that bring subsidies for society's re-education programs and for the creation of favorable public policies for the well-being of this growing population.