Transition to aging experienced by older adults with excellent self-care capacity in a municipality of Minas Gerais

Objective To understand the transition to aging experienced by older adults with excellent self-care capacity in a municipality in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Method A descriptive and exploratory study with a qualitative approach, conducted in a municipality in Minas Gerais with 92 older adults with excellent self-care capacity. Data were collected through a sociodemographic and health characterization form and a semi-structured interview guide. Reflexive Thematic Analysis was performed using a deductive perspective grounded in the Theory of Transitions. Results Inhibiting factors included financial changes, the violation of older adults’ rights, and their devaluation by society. Critical events that marked the transition were represented by the loss of family members and retirement. However, facilitating factors contributing to healthy aging were also identified, such as the practice of self-care, healthy habits throughout life, religiosity/spirituality, improved financial conditions, access to healthcare resources, community participation, and family interaction. The transition to aging was expressed through the appreciation of self-care capacities and of life itself, which influenced the redefinition of identity. Conclusion The transition to aging among individuals with excellent self-care capacity is shaped by facilitators, inhibitors, and critical events that influenced their outlook on life and self-care, resulting in an identity redefinition.