Identification of educational programs for older adults, in universities of medellin – Colombia

Abstract

Objective.  To Identify the universities that provide educational programs focused on older adults through academic extension in Medellin, responding to community projection as a social responsibility which, must be guaranteed by higher education institutions according to Ley 30 de 1992 (Colombia), making possible the participation of this population group in academic activities and university welfare.

Methodology. This research project is based on a qualitative paradigm. The interpretative-comprehensive approach, through a state of the art, which makes visible the educational programs in the universities of Medellín, besides the academic component gives intergenerational and social inclusion spaces; allowing people personal, family and community development, encourage culture of aging for better quality life.

Results. The following programs are registered as a result: Eafit University “Saberes de vida” (Manjarres, 2001), Antioquia University “Aula Universitaria para Mayores” (Zea, 2006), Tecnológico de Antioquia “Cátedra universitaria para adultos mayores” (Hincapié, 2011), which arises from a research project, Institución Universitaria Salazar Herrera “Cátedra de la experiencia y la familia” (Hincapié, 2016)  Pontificia Bolivariana University “Casa de la Felicidad” (Pelaez, 2018). These programs are taught with guidelines of the Gerontological Model.

Inferences. According to the statistical indexes that show the increase in the older population and the perceived insufficiency in the environment to implement programs and services for the new generation of older adults; more active, productive, academic, labor career and participation in a changing world and in a constant technological, scientific and medical progress that proposes new programs for this population.