Cultura científica e qualidade de vida no programa “Felicidade do idoso “ensinando ciência em espaços não formais

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the FeliCidade do Idoso Program, developed in Cascavel (Paraná, Brazil), as a public policy aimed at promoting active aging and citizenship, with an emphasis on the presence of scientific culture in non-formal educational spaces. The objective was to understand how the incorporation of science, in its various cultural manifestations, contributes to improving the quality of life of participating older adults and to the construction of more autonomous and conscious everyday practices. The methodology adopted followed a mixed-methods (qualitative– quantitative) approach. The WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire was administered to older adults attending the program, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 professionals involved, including lecturers, workshop facilitators, and coordinators. Data analysis made it possible to observe how scientific knowledge is integrated into the educational, social, and health-related practices developed within the program, and how this integration impacts older adults’ perceptions of their own quality of life. The results indicate that the program promotes a concrete connection between science and the everyday lives of older adults through activities such as health lectures, nutrition workshops, guided physical exercise, cognitive games, and cultural experiences. These actions are carried out by professionals who act as mediators of scientific knowledge, translating concepts and practices in an accessible, contextualized manner adapted to the needs of this population. This dynamic constitutes a practice of disseminating scientific culture, as it helps older adults understand science as part of their lives and daily decision-making. The analysis of the interviews allowed the perceptions to be grouped into three categories: (1) bringing science education closer to everyday life; (2) scientific culture as a tool for autonomy; and (3) science as an instrument of social inclusion. It was observed that participating older adults demonstrate greater engagement in activities when they understand the practical usefulness of the knowledge conveyed, which fosters autonomy and physical, mental, and social well-being.It is concluded that the FeliCidade do Idoso Program represents an experience of articulation between science, culture, and public policies by transforming scientific knowledge into a tool for inclusion and the appreciation of older adults. The presence of scientific culture in a non-formal space proves to be relevant not only for the dissemination of knowledge, but also as a mechanism for strengthening citizenship, intergenerational interaction, and dignity in aging. It is therefore an effective, sustainable, and replicable model for integrating science into everyday life, with concrete impacts on the quality of life of the older population.