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A condição de idoso antigo combatente: relatos de vida, vulnerabilidades e processos de reconhecimento público
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Hoje, grande parte dos homens portugueses com 65 ou mais anos têm uma história de vida associada à Guerra Colonial, tendo experienciado episódios em palcos de guerra, em muitos casos traumatizantes, os quais são sentidos e interpretados de forma diferenciada.
Sendo o processo de envelhecimento heterogéneo e dependendo ele não só dos aspetos genéticos e fisiológicos, mas também de todo o percurso vivencial e psicossocial, pretendeu-se através deste estudo obter um conhecimento dos significados e relevância da experiência em Guerra, nos antigos combatentes, com o objetivo de saber como estes idosos vivenciam a sua condição de vida marcada pela guerra, captando desta forma as suas representações face às marcas visíveis ou silenciadas e a necessidade de reconhecimento político e social. O estudo pretendeu ainda dar conta do trabalho institucional que a Liga dos Combatentes tem vindo a desenvolver, no sentido de intervir no apoio ao idoso antigo combatente, em situação de vulnerabilidade, no campo da saúde e da solidariedade social.
Foram realizadas entrevistas aprofundadas a doze idosos, baseadas na técnica de relato de vida, selecionando-se antigos combatentes com perfis diferenciados e duas entrevistas a técnicos dos Centros de Apoio Médico, Psicológico e Social (CAMPS). Procedeu-se à recolha e análise de documentação sobre a problemática em torno do envelhecimento da população portuguesa e, em particular, ao idoso combatente da guerra colonial, com especial relevo sobre as questões legislativas relacionadas com as medidas acionadas pelo Estado Português no apoio a esta população. O mesmo foi realizado no que se refere à génese da Liga dos Combatentes e, designadamente ao trabalho desenvolvido na atualidade no acompanhamento clínico e social ao combatente.
Foi possível concluir que para os sujeitos entrevistados a experiência de guerra foi penosa para todos, quem participou na guerra não voltou o mesmo e o reconhecimento da Nação tem sido pouco ou nenhum para os que nela participaram. Contudo, apesar dos episódios marcantes e dramáticos que viveram, esse período acabou por constituir um fator de crescimento pessoal, promovendo uma maior consciencialização social e política, tornando-os mais reflexivos e proativos em relação à sua condição social.
No que respeita à intervenção Institucional, reconhece-se o papel fundamental que a Liga dos Combatentes tem na proteção ao combatente, através da criação de respostas de ação concretas e adequadas a cada caso, promovendo assim um maior bem-estar social e psicológico do idoso, na condição de antigo combatente, baseando todo o seu trabalho numa relação de confiança, atenção e respeito pela pessoa.
Nowadays, a large share of Portuguese men aged over 65 have a personal background linked to the Colonial War, having undergone episodes in war zones, in many cases traumatizing ones, which are felt and interpreted in diverging manners. Given that the ageing process is heterogeneous and that it not only depends on genetic and physiological aspects, but also on the entire living and psychosocial path, this study aimed at obtaining knowledge regarding the meanings and relevance of the war experience to former combatants, with a view to knowing how these elderly experience their war-scarred life, there by capturing their representations vis-à-vis visible or silenced marks and the necessity for political and social recognition. It also sought to outline the institutional work carried out by the Combatants’ League in terms of its intervention in support of former combatants in situations of vulnerability, in the areas of healthcare and social solidarity. Twelve elderly persons were the subject of in-depth interviews, which were based on the life story technique, with a selection of former combatants with distinct profiles, plus two interviews with CAMPS’ (Medical, Psychological and Social Support Centre) experts. A collection and analysis of documents about the Portuguese population’s ageing issue was performed, especially that of the elderly combatant in the Colonial War, with a special focus on the legislative measures put in place by the Portuguese State in support of this group. The same was done concerning the Combatants’ League origin, namely the work it currently develops as regards the provision of medical and social follow-up to the combatant. It was possible to conclude that the war experience was painful for each one of the interviewees, that those who took part in the war did not come back the same, and that the Nation’s recognition towards them has been little to none. However, despite the striking and dramatic episodes they went through, that period ended up representing a personal growth factor, by promoting a bigger social and political awareness, thus making them more thoughtful and proactive with regard to their social status. As far as the institutional intervention is concerned, acknowledgment is given to the fundamental role performed by the Combatants’ League in combatant protection, by creating concrete and appropriate action responses for each case, thereby promoting a bigger social and psychological wellbeing for the elderly, as former combatants, and basing all its work on a relationship of trust, attention and respect for the person.
Nowadays, a large share of Portuguese men aged over 65 have a personal background linked to the Colonial War, having undergone episodes in war zones, in many cases traumatizing ones, which are felt and interpreted in diverging manners. Given that the ageing process is heterogeneous and that it not only depends on genetic and physiological aspects, but also on the entire living and psychosocial path, this study aimed at obtaining knowledge regarding the meanings and relevance of the war experience to former combatants, with a view to knowing how these elderly experience their war-scarred life, there by capturing their representations vis-à-vis visible or silenced marks and the necessity for political and social recognition. It also sought to outline the institutional work carried out by the Combatants’ League in terms of its intervention in support of former combatants in situations of vulnerability, in the areas of healthcare and social solidarity. Twelve elderly persons were the subject of in-depth interviews, which were based on the life story technique, with a selection of former combatants with distinct profiles, plus two interviews with CAMPS’ (Medical, Psychological and Social Support Centre) experts. A collection and analysis of documents about the Portuguese population’s ageing issue was performed, especially that of the elderly combatant in the Colonial War, with a special focus on the legislative measures put in place by the Portuguese State in support of this group. The same was done concerning the Combatants’ League origin, namely the work it currently develops as regards the provision of medical and social follow-up to the combatant. It was possible to conclude that the war experience was painful for each one of the interviewees, that those who took part in the war did not come back the same, and that the Nation’s recognition towards them has been little to none. However, despite the striking and dramatic episodes they went through, that period ended up representing a personal growth factor, by promoting a bigger social and political awareness, thus making them more thoughtful and proactive with regard to their social status. As far as the institutional intervention is concerned, acknowledgment is given to the fundamental role performed by the Combatants’ League in combatant protection, by creating concrete and appropriate action responses for each case, thereby promoting a bigger social and psychological wellbeing for the elderly, as former combatants, and basing all its work on a relationship of trust, attention and respect for the person.
Description
Keywords
Idosos Antigos combatentes Guerra Colonial Relatos de vida Vulnerabilidades Reconhecimento público Elderly Former combatants Colonial war Life stories Vulnerabilities Public recognition