Universidade da Maturidade da Universidade Federal do Tocantins: uma história de 18 anos (2006 - 2024) de inovação e impacto socioeducacional

Abstract

The research investigates the trajectory of the Universidade da Maturidade (UMA), an extension project linked to the Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT), headquartered in Palmas-TO, which completed 18 years of history in 2024 as a reference in continuing education for adults and the elderly. This institution is configured as a space of welcome and appreciation, intended for people aged 45 or over, promoting the development of potentialities, strengthening self-esteem and combating social isolation. The institutional partnerships and innovative methodologies adopted by UMAS are highlighted as central elements for its success and expansion. The study explores the social, educational and health impacts resulting from the work of this institution, as well as the challenges faced and future prospects in view of the accelerated population aging. The main objective was to outline an overview of UMA's trajectory, highlighting its impacts on the quality of life of participants, the obstacles overcome and its potential for adaptation in the face of the growing demand for educational programs aimed at the elderly. The research dialogues with authors such as Kaleche (2015) and Rogers (1983), who discuss the relevance of continuing education for active aging, and Beauvoir (1990) and Minayo (2002), who address the challenges of social inclusion in old age. Their theoretical contributions were fundamental for the analysis of the data and for understanding the transformative role of UMA in the lives of its students. The guiding question inquired about the main impacts of this University on the lives of the participants and how the institution has faced contemporary challenges and prepared for the future in the face of the expansion of the aging population. The methodology adopted was qualitative, with a phenomenological focus, based on bibliographic and documentary review, semi-structured interviews, narrative analysis and participant observation, as proposed by Bardin (1997). The results reveal that it promotes a positive redimensioning of the lives of the participants, with social inclusion and improvement in the quality of the years lived in adulthood and old age. The analysis confirms that UMA represents an inspiring and replicable model of continuing education, consolidating itself as a Social Technology (ST) through Intergenerational Education, contributing significantly to active and inclusive aging. The research recommendations point to the improvement of pedagogical practices at the centers of this faculty, the strengthening of its network of partnerships and the formulation of public policies aimed at the needs of the adult/elderly population, in addition to reaffirming its potential as a fertile field for interdisciplinary research in the field of human aging.