Abstract

TORQUATO, Rebecca; MASSI, Giselle  and  SANTANA, Ana Paula. Aging and literacy: reading and writing from the perspective of people over 60. Psicol. Reflex. Crit. [online]. 2011, vol.24, n.1, pp. 89-98. ISSN 0102-7972.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-79722011000100011.

This paper aims at examining the roles played by literacy classes for adults older than 60. Forty individuals over 60 years old were interviewed for this quantitative/qualitative study. Information was gathered on their experiences with reading and writing, their difficulties and the perceived relevance of those classes on the ageing process. The participants indicated having difficulties with orthographic, textual and biological questions. The literacy activities were also used to improve their cognitive abilities. Moreover, the participants identified benefits of those activities for a healthy and active ageing.

Keywords : Literacy; Aging; Language.