Trabalho e saúde na velhice: condições de vida e saúde de idosos tricicleiros no município de Parintins

Abstract

This research addresses the relationship between work and health in old age, with a focus on the living and health conditions of elderly tricycle drivers in the municipality of Parintins, AM. The research aimed to analyze the factors that lead elderly people to continue working as tricycle drivers as well as the implications of work on their health conditions. For this study, we carried out a bibliographic review on the categories old age, work, and health, in addition to conducting field research of a qualitative nature, through semi-structured interviews carried out with elderly workers who operate in the transport of goods and people using tricycles in the municipality of Parintins, AM, associated with the Parintins Tricycle Drivers Association (ATPIN). The research finds that the permanence of these elderly workers in informal labor activities is related to the need to supplement income and the desire to remain socially active. Several health-related aspects were also identified, such as: muscle pain, physical wear resulting from repetitive strain, constant exposure to the sun and weather variations, in addition to traffic risks. It is concluded that the factors that lead elderly people to continue working as tricycle drivers on the streets of Parintins are mainly linked to the need to obtain income, the absence of formal work alternatives, and the desire to remain physically active and socially engaged.