Program for the Elderly

Patricia Salas GarayDirectordalia.garay @ usach.clAlicia Ortega SimonetSecretaryalicia.ortega @ usach.clPhone: (56-2) 718 0038WebsiteThe current guideline of the program develops promotional and preventive activities of  health, sports and culture that allow the elderly  population, to find an area of growth and support and improve their  life quality. These activities are developed according to the sense of social responsibility at the Universidad de Santiago de Chile, in this case, with a population that is demographically becoming more important in our country.The program is part of the cultural change that the academic community must develop in order to improve the assessment and treatment of the elderly. It contributes with the following initiatives:1. Multidisciplinary scientific research in basic and applied issues related to the elderly.2. It promotes social networking developed by the elderly themselves for a better social integration. 3. Development of educational materials about the active and full process of becoming older for a better quality of life.4. Training of human resources skills in the field of gerontology. We propose the progressive introduction of more themes about the elderly in the following levels:Undergraduate: cross-curricular inclusion in the curriculum plans of careers and programs at the Universidad de Santiago de Chile.Continuing Education: teacher training about care for the elderly by means of: post title courses, diplomas, refresher courses and updating training in gerontology. 5. Incorporation of the elderly in activities that allow them to continue their intellectual development (continuation of studies, completion of studies, specialization, training, starting a career, university continuing education for the elderly). 6. To maintain current extension as an approximation strategy to specific elderly groups and, in this way, to offer alternative work and academic development.• Sports: workshops, seminars, fitness, hydro gymnastics, water activities, body expression.• Education: self health and reciprocal health, affection and sexuality.• Handicraft courses• Artistic activities• Activities related to labor unions, work and others. 7. Relationship with the society through:• Agreements with municipalities.• Free annual conferences or seminars aimed at all the elderly people who live in communes near the University.•To encourage research projects and apply for competitive funds.•To include our University in the MINSAL‘s Program of Healthy Universities.