Aging process: perceptions of elementary school teachers of the municipal education in Uruguaiana-RS, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To assess the perception about the human aging process of teachers from public elementary schools in the city of Uruguaiana, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. METHODS: This is a descriptive study, with sample composed by 13 teachers who responded to a questionnaire previously validated by researchers, containing eight questions, which was subsequently read, analyzed and categorized through the content analysis technique. RESULTS: There were positives and negatives in that investigation, in accordance with the sociocultural values of each teacher. Educators see aging as a step for the transfer and sharing of experiences and knowledge, and in spite of adversity and health problems that supposedly will face, they have an optimistic view of this process. CONCLUSIONS: The reports stated that the future quality of life is a reflection of the current, so self-perception can change the behavior of a community by providing different perspectives of this biological cycle. We emphasize the importance of investing in studies to suppress prejudices and stereotypes common to people concerning this stage of life, especially with this audience that is an opinion maker.