Caregiving Trajectories of Centenarian Women in Chile; Trajectórias de cuidados de mulheres centenárias no Chile; Trayectorias de cuidado de mujeres centenarias en Chile

Abstract

The objective of this article is to analyze the care trajectory in the lives of Chilean centenarian women, related to their biography, as well as the social and cultural context and the different modalities of social inequality. We seek to characterize the milestones and events in the care trajectories of these women, linking individual and family experience. The methodology was qualitative and focused on the in-depth analysis of four cases, using different techniques for the construction of information: in-depth interviews with each of the women; application of life calendars and direct observation. The results position gender, generation and class as relevant elements to understand the configuration of care trajectories. Likewise, the dependence and interdependence in family relationships, as well as in the care strategies of centenarian women, in their life and aging experiences, are highlighted. The analysis of these trajectories shows care as a dynamic and changing process, which is articulated on the basis of elements of social differentiation, such as gender, class and generation.