Lifelong education in institutionalized older adults: qualitative findings from a gerontagogical program

Abstract

This working paper presents the initial results of the project “Culture of healthy Aging from Gerontagogy in intercultural Spaces for Nursing Home in Florencia, Caquetá. This aims to promote a culture of healthy aging through gerontagogics in intercultural spaces at the San Vicente de Paul Senior Citizen Welfare Center (Florencia, Caquetá). The study adopts a qualitative phenomenological approach to understand the meanings and experiences of institutionalized old age, and articulates participatory action research logic to design, implement, and adjust a pedagogical proposal. The projected beneficiary population is 49 institutionalized elderly people, mostly men, who are socioeconomically vulnerable, have low levels of education, and suffer from functional dependence and multimorbidity. The educative interventions “Learn, Live and Share” integrated activities related to autobiography and memory, sensory stimulation, mapping of the territory, traditional music and dance, dialogue between generations and sharing of knowledge, as well as workshops on respectful treatment and dignity. The observation formats, reports, and facilitation logs show sustained participation, group integration, evocation of memories and territorial narratives, as well as improvements in emotional disposition at the end of the sessions. Likewise, facilitators learn about humanized support and methodological adaptation according to functional abilities. It is concluded that gerontagogy with an intercultural approach contributes to redefining old age beyond welfare, strengthening identity, self-esteem, social bonds, and emotional well-being, and provides elements for its possible adaptation and replication in institutions with similar characteristics. It is recommended that the program be institutionalized through modules, training caregivers as mediators, and a formative evaluation system with indicators of participation, encouragement, and coexistence. This Project is aligned with the ODS 3,4 y 10 and the National Policy on Old Age and Aging 2022–2031(Ministry of Health and Social Protection, 2022).