Perspectives and roles of Senior Citizen Forums in the composition of Municipal Councils for the Elderly

Abstract

Aging is a process marked by increased life expectancy, associated with declining birth rates. This scenario intensifies the need for public policies aimed at guaranteeing the rights of older adults and expanding social participation, highlighting the role of older adult forums as they work to mobilize society and discuss rights. Given this, the present article aimed to discuss the nature of forums for older persons and their possibilities as spaces for mobilization, learning, and social articulation. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a qualitative approach, specifically developing a narrative literature review. Searches were conducted on Google Scholar, SciELO, and PubMed, without time limits, using the descriptors “aging,” “social participation,” and “elderly forum” separately and in different combinations. It was observed that the multidimensionality of aging, encompassing biological, psychological, and social aspects, can contribute to the vulnerability of the elderly population. It is noteworthy that forums for older adults have been created as relevant spaces for strengthening social participation, producing formal and informal knowledge, and coordinating political action in defense of the rights of older adults. It can be concluded that such forums play a strategic social role in promoting awareness, collective learning, and mobilization to improve the living conditions of older adults.