Perspectives of research in gerontology and geriatrics: review of the literature

This exploratory descriptive study aimed at identifying and analyzing the tendencies and perspectives regarding research in the areas of gerontology and geriatrics. Initially, authors completed a bibliographical review of the Lilac's Data Bank and publications from 1980 to 2000 found at the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing Library. Authors presented the results in tables and graphs, emphasizing the studies on geriatrics--54%. Regarding the approach, authors found, in the last decade (1990 to 2000), an increase of studies in the areas of Biology (32%), Human Resources (18%), Social (17%), Psychology (9.8%), Holism (4.0%), excepting Ethics that remained with the same rate in both periods (0.8%). With respect to the research type, the qualitative ones were predominant (49.2%). Thus, authors concluded that there is an increasing interest of professionals in the area due to the demographic and epidemiological transitions and also regarding the capacitation of human resources to work with the elderly.