Forças do caráter de idosos: estado da arte e proposta de um programa educacional

Abstract

Promote character strengths appears to be a possible and necessary way for a positive aging. Aiming to develop a proposal for the Character Education Based on Strengths for the Elderly (Educafi), two systematic literature reviews were made, one on the state of the art research on character strengths and another about positive aspects in Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT). Articles reporting research with old people in their samples were selected for the two studies. It was found, in both, a limited scientific production, being the age cohort of the elderly little researched. In this scenario, the Educafi appears as a positive intervention specifically developed to promote the full range of character strengths proposed by Values in Action and raise the levels of satisfaction with life and psychological well-being in this age cohort. It is a character education activity that, according to the principles of CBGT, can be classified as orientation/training. 26 meetings are proposed, totaling about 40 hours. Once educational activities support healthy development into old age, it can be said that the Educafi is promising and should, therefore, be tested empirically in different contexts.