The purpose of this study was to identify educative needs of elderly people according to their perceptions elaborating an educative proposal. Data were colleted from September 1996 to March 1997 and this sample was formed by 26 elderly patients with diabetes, which were members of the Association of Patients with Diabetes of Uberaba - M.G.. Authors utilized the participant observation and semi-structured interview. Data were analysed according to the presupposition of the generator themes proposed by Paulo Freire. The results showed that the Association of Patients with Diabetes aims at their health education. Four generator themes emerged: , Diabetes Mellitus type 2, Attention in Health Services, Associated Diseases and the Elderly Patient with Diabetes.
Education; Elderly patient; Diabetes mellitus