BEYOND SPECIALIZATION: TRANSDISCIPLINARITY AS A RESPONSE TO THE CHALLENGES OF ELDERLY CARE

Abstract

Comprehensive health care for older adults is a fundamental concept that seeks to meet not only their physical needs, but also their emotional, social, and spiritual needs, considering the individual as a whole. In this context, transdisciplinarity emerges as an essential approach to overcoming the challenges posed by the fragmentation of specialized knowledge. Unlike interdisciplinarity, which promotes collaboration between disciplines, transdisciplinarity goes further, integrating knowledge from various fields (medicine, nursing, psychology, social work, occupational therapy, among others) to create a unified body of knowledge and intervention model. The practical application of this approach in older adult care requires the multidisciplinary team to work in an integrated manner, breaking down disciplinary barriers and sharing responsibilities. Instead of each professional focusing on their specific field, transdisciplinarity allows for the construction of a singular and cohesive care plan centered on the needs of the older adult. For example, in cases of dementia, the team can work in a coordinated manner to treat medical symptoms, provide psychological support, adapt the environment, and assist the family, creating a continuous and more effective flow of care.