Lúcia Cunha Ortiz:

“Elderly people enjoy less social contact than people
of other age groups”

The coordinator of the Family Department of the Spiritist Association Obreiros do Bem, in the Brazilian city of São Carlos, explains the
idea behind avogelização, or evangelisation for the elderly

	Lúcia Cunha Ortiz (photo), a Spiritist since 1989, works as a volunteer at the Spiritist Association Obreiros do Bem, in São Carlos, in the state of São Paulo. She has a PhD in History of Science. She is the coordinator of the Family Department and is also in charge of the evangelisation programme. In this interview, she talks about the project of evan-
gelisation of the elderly, known as avogelização (avô/avó is Portuguese for grandfather/grandmother).

What is avogelização?

It is an extension of the programme of evangelisation for elderly people. The activities are scheduled for the same time as those directed at other age groups. The aim is to set up a support network that helps others appreciate the elderly and encourage joint and constructive reflection about issues and problems that are common at that stage of life. For each group that is formed we make an assessment of the main issues and concerns they have. 

When and how did the idea come up? 

It came up a few years ago, with grandparents who used to bring their children regularly for the evangelisation, or Gospel, classes. The idea matured and eventually became a reality. I am not aware of a similar project being developed anywhere else. 

Who are the people taking part? What is the reaction to the idea? 

The project is new and many people are still reluctant and suspicious. But we will not give up that easily. It began six months ago and we have not, as yet, had any feedback from other Spiritist groups or organisations. All the participants so far are women. They are not necessarily widows, but they are very often lonely. We have not had a single man in the group. I think the old boys still avoid admitting that they need help, companionship or simply friendship. 

Based on your experience, what would you like to tell our readers about this issue? 

I would like to come up with a few provocative statements:

-                     Do we know how to deal with this group of older people?

-                     Do we generally meet their demands and requirements?

In Brazil we have the Elderly Statute, a number of important legislation to protect their rights. Public policies in that area have improved. We can even afford to be proud of some of our country’s achievements.

-                     What visibility does the elderly get in Spiritist Centres?

The way Spiritist Centres are organised usually reflect our society and prevailing cultural values. That means we may well not be giving old people within Spiritism the value they have.

-                     A big cultural problem we have is the lack of visibility of elderly people in our society. What is the impact of that?

It means that elderly people enjoy less social contact than people of other age groups. 

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

I have observed the changes in those who decided to come and find out about our project. They have changed their behaviour, attitude and even their body language and the way they look at the elderly. Our project is now six months old and is being coordinated by Maria José Castilho and two Spiritist psychologists, Almir Del Prette and Zilda A. P. Del Prette. According to Almir, “avogelização is a study group gathering old people who are interested in chatting, learning and cooperating in the activities of the Spiritist Centre, as well as the family and their community. Oh, and the term “old people” does not bother us at all”.