[Teaching the aging process and old age in nursing graduation courses]

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. Its theme is the content of a specific course in the program. Different techniques and strategies were used in order to learn what students' interests were and so to reach a better outcome in the teaching-learning 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 excellence 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.