Maguerez’s Arch as a guide for extension practices with older adults: an experience report

Objective  to describe the experience of extension students in the development of a newspaper created together with older adults.

Method  this is an experience report linked to a university extension project conducted with older adults attending a Teaching Health Center who were undergoing mental health follow-up and presented difficulties in social skills. Maguerez’s Arch was used as the methodological framework, with four meetings held between July and August 2024, culminating in the collective production of a newspaper.

Results  ten older adults participated, contributing memories and affective content. The process included a symbolic autograph session and the delivery of printed copies. The construction of the newspaper promoted active listening, subjective expression, strengthening of bonds, and appreciation of identity.

Final considerations and implications for practice  the experience demonstrated potential for promoting mental health and the critical education of students. This activity may be replicated in different contexts as a strategy for care, inclusion, and social protagonism.

Keywords:
Aged; Community-Institutional Relations; Loneliness; Mental Health; Social Inclusion