The aging process and chronic diseases involve vital changes in the elderly that, in many cases, involve stressful events that lead to psychological discomfort and a deterioration in the quality of life. Old age is a stage characterized by feelings of loss and decreased functional and affective abilities. Serenity is investigated as a coping strategy in relation to psychological and emotional support to improve the abilities of the elderly to face the problems or difficulties that entail the consequences of aging.
Objective:
To analyze the concept of serenity in relation to the psychological and emotional support of the chronic patient.
Methodology:
Review of the literature. The search was performed in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Medline. The 1999-2017 period was included, including those studies that only apply the concept of serenity for the promotion of mental health.
Results:
Of the 40 studies reviewed, 8 referred to aging and chronicity; 15 to affective disorders in the chronicity; 13 to emotional and psychological support in the chronically elderly patient; 4 to serenity and nursing care. Three related topics were identified: emotional support in chronicity, the concept of serenity and psychic and emotional well-being, defining attributes and levels of serenity, emotional support in chronicity.
Conclusions:
The serenity can represent a tool that promotes the psychic and emotional well-being of the chronic elderly patient, helping to accept and manage the health situation. Greater scientific evidence on the concept and its use in nursing professionals is necessary.
Barcelona, 2020. Vol. 31, no 2, p. 86-91