TEJIDO DE SIGNIFICADOS EN LA ADVERSIDAD: DISCAPACIDAD, POBREZA Y VEJEZ.

Objective: to describe the meanings about disability, poverty and old age of elderly people in the municipality of Guapi (Cauca, Colombia, 2009). Method: ethnographic study with participant observation and fifteen in-depth interviews. The analysis of the data was carried out in an inductive and interpretative manner. Results: the meanings in disability are framed in physical failure, limitations to perform activities, and lack of access to social participation spheres. Poverty is related to spiritual and material aspects. Old age is located in a polarization of meanings between acceptance and suffering when facing diseases and limitations. Conclusions: the understanding of cultural meanings in the dimensions of disability, poverty and old age may trigger in the future more efficient and effective cross-sectorial and professional responses to improve life and health conditions of elderly in situations of adversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]