Undergraduate nursing students' perceptions of aging/A percepcao dos graduandos de enfermagem sobre envelhecimento/La percepcion de los estudiantes de pregrado de enfermeria sobre envejecimiento

This study examined final-year nursing students' perceptions of aging. This qualitative study was conducted in August and September 2011, with 18 nursing students at a public university in Salvador, Bahia. Statements acquired by interview were analyzed using content analysis, which revealed the core theme: final-year students' view of aging; with the respective subcategories: acquired learning and maturity; stigma and the view of old and new; feelings, limitations and losses in the aging process; and the proximity of death. The students reported that aging is a natural process, seen as another stage of human development, linked to biological and psychological changes, and genetic and environmental factors, accompanied by maturation and learning. Views of adverse aspects were also present, as represented by losses, limitations, disabilities and proximity of death.