Reflexões sobre a clínica psicanalítica com idosos

Abstract

The increasing aging of the Brazilian population gives rise to controversies, as the increase in life expectancy does not always translate into a dignified existence for the elderly. Faced with this matter, clinical practices that can consider the experiences of the elderly and address their demands are urgently needed. Among them, psychoanalysis stands out. Although Freud had doubts in his time about practicing clinical work with the elderly, subsequent literature highlights its viability, as the unconscious does not age and desire persists. The motivating question of this research was: how to treat individuals who have surpassed the age range of 60- 65 years and seek clinical care? The aim of this study is to investigate the direction of treatment in psychoanalytic clinical work with the elderly, based on current scientific production. This is a research in psychoanalysis, conducted through a bibliographical survey in the Scielo, Pepsic, and BVS-Lilacs databases, from 2011 to 2023. The analysis was guided by the researcher's reading and transferential relationship with the material selected for the study. Despite distinct particularities regarding old age, as well as theoretical focuses, the results recommend the direction of treatment towards technical approaches that facilitate working-through, mourning work, and sublimation. By insisting on a psychoanalysis engaged in the collective dimension of suffering, it is concluded that providing the 'refuge of the couch' to the elderly is an ethical direction of treatment, in which direct contributions to the psychic state are offered while simultaneously challenging ageism.