Objective:

To characterize the family dynamics in the care of the elderly according to the principles of identity, solidarity, conversation and love in Peruvian and Mexican families. The central theoretical referential was given by the principles of family caring of Bustamante.

Material and methods:

Exploratory descriptive-qualitative study in the comparative perspective between Peru and Mexico. The study involved 10 families from each country that has an older adult as a family member belonging to the middle strata of both countries. Oral discourses of representatives of the selected families of the two countries were used. For the analysis of data, the analysis of oral discourse in the comparative perspective of Bereday was used.

Results:

The most important findings highlight that identity is seen as an expression of: self-responsibility, visibility and social recognition, territoriality of networks of coexistence with the elderly, self-recognition, self-imperative care and protection among their members.

Conclusions:

We obtained indicators of solidarity and expression of love in the family of the elderly. It is recommended to include the indicators of care principles in research, education and care assistance to the elderly with a family focus.

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