Care for the elderly during the Círio: guidelines from the geriatrician at Hospital Jean Bitar
It is necessary to pay extra attention to physical efforts and foods consumed during this period, which is prone to excesses.
During the Círio de Nazaré, one of the largest religious manifestations in Brazil, it is common for people of all ages to participate in the processions and celebrations in Belém. Among them are many elderly individuals who wish to experience the faith and devotion to the Virgin of Nazaré up close. To ensure that this moment is lived safely, the geriatrician from Hospital Jean Bitar in Belém, Magda Nery, emphasizes the importance of health care and prevention during this period.
“The Círio is a moment of profound faith and emotion. Knowing this, it is important to remember that physical effort and intense heat can pose health risks, especially for people with cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, or mobility limitations,” explains the doctor.
According to her, it is essential for the elderly to prepare in advance. “It is important to maintain good hydration before and during the journey, wear light clothing, a hat, and sunscreen, as well as eat and avoid long periods of fasting. It is also crucial to respect the body's limits: stopping and resting is part of the care. If there are any signs of dizziness, weakness, or shortness of breath, it is best to seek a medical support point immediately,” she advises.
Care also at the Círio table
The traditional Círio lunch is another significant moment of the celebration. Typical dishes, such as maniçoba, duck in tucupi, and vatapá, are part of the tradition of families from Pará. However, for the elderly, it is important to pay attention to their diet.
“The Círio lunch is an affectionate and family celebration, but we need to take some precautions. These dishes are delicious, but they tend to be high in fat and salt, which can affect the cardiovascular system and the digestive tract,” warns Magda Nery.
The recommendation is to opt for moderate portions, balancing the plate with salads and fruits, in addition to maintaining good hydration and avoiding excessive alcoholic beverages. “May all elderly people enjoy this moment of faith and love with great health and safety!” concludes the geriatrician.
Humanized care at Hospital Jean Bitar
Hospital Jean Bitar offers specialized care for the elderly both in the outpatient clinic and in the inpatient units and ICU. The multidisciplinary team ensures differentiated care, guaranteeing the presence of a companion, as determined by the Elderly Statute.
From January to August 2025, the unit has already performed 794 outpatient consultations in geriatrics.
An example of this care is the patient Maria de Lourdes Nunes, 77 years old, a resident of the municipality of São Caetano de Odivelas, in northeastern Pará. She has been hospitalized for about a month for treatment of an intestinal problem and diabetes. Retired, she will spend the Círio in the ward, accompanied by her husband, and expresses gratitude for the care received.
“The Círio is all year round, because we have to thank Our Lady of Nazaré every day, as she is our mother. I always pray for our health and happiness. And even though I am hospitalized, I thank God for being well treated by the team at Jean Bitar,” she said emotionally.
Service:
Hospital Jean Bitar belongs to the public health network of the government of Pará and is managed by the National Institute of Social and Human Development (INDSH), in partnership with the State Department of Public Health (Sespa).
HJB provides assistance in medium and high complexity in the outpatient and hospital areas for transgender users, and in medical and surgical clinics for patients with metabolic and gastrointestinal diseases. The unit is located at Rua Cônego Jerônimo Pimentel, 543, in the Umarizal neighborhood of Belém.
Text: Marcelo Zeno/ Ascom HJB
