Qualitative research type survey conducted in Rio Novo, Minas Gerais, which aimed to analyze the design of the elderly about aging and their perception of being /are elderly. Sample by typicality comprised in 20 volunteers with the age of 60 or more years, registered in the Immunization Program of the City. We excluded people with: altered consciousness; moderate dissociation of thought; difficulty verbalizing, and rural residents. 385 beliefs were identified, according to Rokeach, who tended to the centrality in 76.3%. Predominant conceptions of aging were identified (new chance at life and bodily decay, autonomy and relations). The age itself and the level of social integration were the criteria for conceptualizing those who do not feel old or older and who is aged or not respectively.
Nursing; Aged; Aging; Culture
