The university as an ally for active aging and quality of life

This article discusses the health status of older persons participating in an extension course lasting two years at the University of Santa Cruz do Sul/RS, Brazil, from a descriptive quantitative and qualitative study conducted in 2014 and 2015, with 47 persons over 60. Instruments were used to assess the elders' cognitive functions and overall health. The study presents the perspective of successful aging focusing on the following aspects: low probability of disease, good functional capacity (physical and cognitive), and active participation in the community. The studied sample has characteristics that corroborate the general health status and quality of life conditions, such as the many years of study, the continuous search for knowledge-related activities, the involvement in different physical and leisure activities, and socializing with family and friends. The research indicates that the insertion in university programs contributes to the prevention of cognitive decline and the general state of health, contributing to self-esteem and maintenance of mental health, which reflects in aging with quality of life.