Geroculture as a factor of change and participation in the culture of aging
Keywords:
Geroculture; Aging; Older adult; Social participationAbstract
Introduction: Geroculture, understood as a system of participatory socio-cultural actions aimed at older adults, has been developed in Cuba since 1992 as a tool to promote active aging and better quality of life.
Objective: To describe the theoretical-methodological foundations of Geroculture and its practical application in the Cuban context, based on the experience of the "Dr. Salvador Allende" Clinical Surgical Hospital and its community projection.
Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted. PubMed, SciELO, Google Scholar databases and Cuban institutional repositories were consulted. Original articles, reviews, books and institutional documents published between 2015 and 2025 were included, prioritizing those with accessible DOI or URL. Classic sources and historical documents from the Cuban experience were also incorporated, duly referenced.
Development: The essential concepts of Geroculture, its objectives and basic principles are addressed. The pioneering experience of the first University of the Elderly in Cuba, created in 1994, is presented, as well as the evolution towards Gerocultural workshops. The dimensions of Geroculture are analyzed: actions created by older adults, specialized cultural services and creative therapeutic Geroculture. The methods and techniques used, the aspects to be educated and stimulated, and the impact on the quality of life of the participants are described.
Conclusions: Geroculture constitutes an effective tool to promote participation, creativity and well-being of older adults, contributing to a culture of aging based on inclusion and social protagonism.
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