Intersectoriality, elderly health and Exercise Orientation Service: a documental analysis

Abstract

Introduction: There is a worldwide phenomenon associated with increased life expectancy and decreased fertility rate that has been leading to population aging. Consequently, it requires Public Policies to adapt healthcare services to further reach and assure better quality of life to this population. The PNPS (Brazilian National Health Promotion Policy) points towards intersectoriality as institutional element and form of management capable of enhancing health services. In addition, the literature in the field points towards social participation (one of the elements of intersectoriality) as factor capable of protecting and promoting active life for the elderly population. Objectives: The objective of the research is to analyze the elements of intersectoriality through a documentary analysis, related to the health of the elderly population within the Exercise Orientation Service, in order to assist in the evaluation and planning of policies more aligned with constitutional rights and building more rational analysis tools. Methods: Documental analysis by Richardson was herein used as research methodology. Results: Political analysis models by Dye gave rise to the Exercise Orientation Service (EOS) classified as the elite model. Nowadays, EOS acts as incremental model, which lies on variations of the past model, based on small improvements applied to consolidated policies in order to avoid political friction and large expenses with new or major reformulations. Conclusion: Thus, although EOS is an important Public Policy and a national reference, it still has incipient inter-sectorial relationships classified as horizontal governmental articulations. Nevertheless, this embryonic intersectoral system can open room for the development of Public Policies focused on reaching a larger number of individuals and on assuring them better quality of life.