ABSTRACT
The scope of the present study is to investigate how aging is experienced in a gendered way, by men and women in a nursing home and its relation to mental health. 18 interviews, using a semi-structured questionnaire (9 with men, 9 with women) were performed. The analysis of the speeches showed how gender relations underpin the experiences of the institutionalized elderly (women and men), implying important differences and specificities of psychological distress. The results suggest the importance of taking into account the values of gender in the formulation of public policies on mental health for this population.
Keywords:
mental health; elderly; gender relations