Objective:

to analyze the perspectives of the elderly about the conditions that intervene in invisibility.

Methods:

qualitative research based on fundamental theory was carried out in older adults. To obtain the perspectives on invisibility, we worked under an inductive approach with two focus groups, an interview guide was used with triggering questions in which the categories related to the focus on old age and the family, health care and environment and the society. For the analysis of qualitative data, MAXQDA version 2018.2 software was used.

Results:

invisibility in the elderly was presented in the family and in society through abandonment, verbal abuse based on insults, humiliation, lack of respect, scolding and teasing, leading to physical aggression. This phenomenon was also observed in health care when they do not listen carefully, do not provide their medications and make them wait a long time to be treated. The emotional effects caused by the invisibility that they express are feeling ignored, forgotten and angry to the point of crying and sadness.

Conclusions:

the perspectives of older adults allow us to conclude that abuse is one of the manifestations of invisibility that they suffer in three aspects of their lives: the family nucleus, society and healthcare. Invisibility is a challenge and a priority for social and health institutions, since it produces a psychological and moral wound that must be detected in a timely manner.

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