New Profile of Older People Entering Higher Education

The profile of the elderly has changed a lot in recent years, so it is necessary to research this new way of life. The theme of this work is Higher Education and the Elderly, and a proposal to investigate the new profile of this population seeking entry to Higher Education. The main objective of the work was to investigate the factors that motivate the elderly to enter higher education institutions and whether this attitude leads to an improvement in their quality of life. It was possible to see that education for this section of the population has a different dimension to education for young people. For them, studying for a degree means a search for citizenship and emotional balance, where their days have more meaning and the possibility of acquiring health is noticeable. It should also be pointed out that longevity is beginning to bring about behavioral changes in these elderly people. Those aged between 50 and 60 are more motivated to enter higher education than those aged over 60; when they enter higher education institutions, they are not looking for a degree, but for a better quality of life.