Abstract

PRADO, Shirley Donizete  and  SAYD, Jane Dutra. The being that ages: technique, science and knowledge. Ciênc. saúde coletiva [online]. 2007, vol.12, n.1, pp. 247-252. ISSN 1413-8123.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-81232007000100028.

We address Gerontology in its perception as the science of aging. Based on Bachelard and Canguilhem, we discuss the perspectives of Gerontology as science in terms of Aging Philosophy, Aging Genetics or Bio-Gerontology, and as a set of techniques for cure such as pain relief, action on life of the being that ages through Geriatrics, Psycho-geriatrics, Geriatric Nursing and Social Service. Based on Foucault, we consider that Gerontology comprises all knowledge on that unique being who thinks about himself and about his own representations, through Anthropology, Psychoanalysis, and so on. As to the fact that aging is the object , we see this as an ambitious project, which almost coincides with Human Sciences and Life when these deal with youth and old age. Gerontology is today a set of sciences, techniques and knowledge, mainly concerned with the still indefinite domain of old age.

Keywords : Aging; Research; Tendencies; Gerontology.