EXPERIENCE REPORT OF A STUDENT-MONITOR AT AN OPEN UNIVERSITY FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE: LEARNING AND IMPACT ON HEALTHY AGING

Abstract

Introduction: The inclusion of elderly people in social and educational activities is essential to promote functionality, independence, and quality of life. Participation in programs that encourage social interaction and continuous learning can prevent social isolation and physical and cognitive decline, which are crucial factors for healthy aging. Objective: To report the experience of student monitors, undergraduate physiotherapy students, during the Health and Well-Being course, offered by the Open University for the Elderly (UAPI) project at Faculdade Una, in Divinópolis-MG. Method: This is an experience report on the monitoring carried out by students of the physiotherapy course within the scope of the Health and Well-Being course, offered to the elderly population by UAPI. The activities took place from January 2023 to August 2024. Results: Two student monitors and 45 elderly people participated in the course. The activities were held weekly at Faculdade UNA Divinópolis/MG, totaling 80 meetings. The activities included physical exercise, yoga, meditation, outdoor gatherings, memory games, and educational lectures, all designed to meet the needs of the elderly and encourage active and healthy aging. The student monitors played a fundamental role in guiding and executing the activities, directly contributing to the success of the project. Conclusion: The interaction between monitors and the elderly created an environment of mutual learning and intergenerational coexistence, resulting in positive impacts on the quality of life of the participants and on the academic and civic development of the student monitors.