Outlining perceptions of aging among a group of elementary school teachers.

• Grant number: 24/08832-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Vania Aparecida Gurian Varoto
• Grantee: Maira Silva Andrade
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/11188-2 - Educating citizens: respect for human rights throughout life, AP.R

Abstract

Introduction: The increase in the number of elderly people in societies is already a reality, making the subject of aging an essential basis for numerous discussions, including education, as a cross-cutting theme. The aging process is complex and unique to each person, influenced by the choices and attitudes made throughout life. It is therefore important to teach people about the changes that come with aging from an early age. Education about aging should be implemented in school curriculums in order to disseminate pertinent knowledge and contribute to the prospect of aging in a healthy and more positive way, demystifying stereotypical information. In this scenario, teachers are the driving force behind this knowledge which is why it is important for them to have accurate and relevant information about the aging process. As well as helping to pass on information, it is important for teachers to identify and understand positive factors in the personal process. Objective: To verify the perceptions of active and healthy aging held by a group of teachers at an elementary school in the interior of São Paulo. Methodology: A descriptive and exploratory study with qualitative and quantitative foundations and content analysis. Data collection will be carried out through a semi-structured field script, using data from the database of a research project linked to this scientific initiation proposal. There will be a comparative analysis of pre- and post-intervention data on content related to aging. The participants will be eighth-grade teachers from a municipal school in São Carlos, a city in the interior of São Paulo. General characteristics of the participants and issues regarding the human dimension and the aging process throughout life will be observed. Expected results: to identify the profile of the participants, their perception, and preparation for trajectories aimed at achieving a more active and healthy aging, and to compare the absorption of knowledge after a workshop on the topic.Keywords: Aging, Aged, Education, Primary and Secondary, Teacher, Professor.