Occupational therapy and gerontology: an analysis of scientific production in South America

Abstract

Aging is a multidimensional process and therefore generates complex demands. Older people constitute a significant portion of users of health services, social assistance and are increasingly important in social life.4 Thus, research involving the elderly develops in the most different themes among the different professions. According to Mendonça,5 in Gerontology, the Occupational Therapist participates in disease prevention and health maintenance programs, preparing the elderly for the events inherent to their aging.