University of the Third Age: analysis of a pioneer program

Abstract

This work proposes to study the case of the Brazilian pioneer of the program University of the Third Age organized by the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas using a qualitative methodological perspective. The intention, through a historical journey over eighteen years of activity and making use of bibliographies, documents and interviews with people involved, is to examine the various aspects that served as basis for the continuous building of the program, such as characterization, objectives, curricula, infrastructure, teachers and students. It is considered that the maintenance of values has been a significant point in the quality of the program, including socially, raising self-esteem and improving quality of life of its participants, allowing the strengthening of the identity of persons in old age.