Challenges of aging and the participation in the open university for the seniors: Perception of the elderly

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the perception of the elderly on the challenges of aging and of their participation in the Open University for the Seniors. Method: exploratory-descriptive study with qualitative approach, performed with elderly participants of the Open University for the Seniors in a Brazilian capital. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews from September to October 2016 and analyzed using Thematic Content Analysis Technique. Results: three thematic categories emerged: “aging: conquest, freedom, opportunity and stage of the life cycle”; “the challenge to face the changes and society’s view of aging” and “the Open University for the Seniors as a tool to face the challenges of aging”. Conclusion: the participation of the elderly in the project Open University for the Seniors is a positive tactic for the individual and social inter-relations, presenting benefits assertive for his/her quality of life.