Contributions of socialization and public policies to the promotion of healthy aging: a literature review

Objective: To analyze the contribution of peer groups and public policies to the promotion of healthy aging. Methods: This is a literature review conducted by means of a bibliographic searching in databases available on the internet, such as Virtual Health Library, Scientific Electronic Library Online, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Literature, in addition to official documents of national scope, which address the healthy aging considering the public policies and socialization of the elderly in peer groups. Results: Initially, 27 articles were found, of which 9 fulfilled the abovementioned inclusion and exclusion criteria. Regarding the official documents, 12 were found and, of these, 10 were related to the main study proposal. The results found in this study showed that the elderly participants of peer groups and physical activity groups are mostly female and retired; furthermore, a majority of them have fewer depressive symptoms, greater life satisfaction and better physical condition. Conclusion: Peer and physical activity groups for the elderly are recognized as important spaces of social interaction and socialization of emotions. It was observed that several public policies aimed at promoting healthy aging are adopted in the Brazilian reality; thereby, it was possible to notice that, in these groups, measures proposed in the official documents have been rendered effective.