ENVELHECIMENTO E DESIGUALDADE NO BRASIL: Determinantes socioeconômicos da funcionalidade ao longo do curso de vida

Brazilian population aging is occurring rapidly, yet in a profoundly unequal manner. In this context, this study is guided by the following question: to what extent can functionality in aging in Brazil be explained by cultural factors, and to what extent is it conditioned by socioeconomic inequalities accumulated throughout life? The objective is to analyze the extent to which functionality in old age is determined by socioeconomic position across the life course. Methodologically, this is a qualitative, descriptive-analytical study based on a narrative literature review. The results support the conclusion that aging in Brazil does not occur homogeneously, but is strongly conditioned by individuals’ socioeconomic trajectories. Territorial and economic differences produce significant variations in life expectancy and in conditions of functional autonomy, indicating that functionality in aging reflects structural processes of social inequality experienced throughout life.