This study aimed at unfolding how the teaching on the aging process and old age takes place in nursing undergraduate programs. Data were obtained by means of a questionnaire, which was completed by coordinators of the five existing nursing programs in the state of Ceará. /ts theme is the content of a specific course in the programo Different techniques and strategies were used in order to leam what students' interests were and so to reach a better outcome in the teaching-Iearning situation. Students found such discussions relevant because these made them better prepared for entering a promising labor field; they stressed the high importance the discussions on that theme would have in other courses as well, aiming at providing a sound knowledge basis and at reaching exce/lence in patient care. We found that the courses surveyed try to raise interest in this knowledge field, promoting several opportunities for study and practice, and providing a new way to make opinions meet about growing old and old age.
nursing; aging process; old age
