Voluntary work in pastoral da criança at the third age: a personal impact

Abstract

Objective: analyzing the personal repercussions of volunteer work for the elderly in Pastoral da Criança. Method: a descriptive, exploratory study, with a qualitative approach. 12 elderly were interviewed between May to July 2014, with the aid of a semistructured script. The reports were transcribed and there was proceeded the thematic analysis of content. Results: after analysis there were formed the following thematic categories: The Pastoral da Criança is a learning environment for volunteers and families served; The volunteers have feelings of personal and social satisfaction; The Pastoral da Criança allows and encourages the social conviviality; Volunteer work resignifies the life and transforms the ageing process. Conclusions: the work at Pastoral da Criança is perceived by older people as very important, because it promotes an environment of social conviviality among all age groups. Nursing, especially in basic attention, must be open and attentive to the benefits of volunteering in the third age.