This investigation aimed to raise participants' demographic data from the Open University of the Third Age EACH-USP and characterize the reasons reported by the elderly as to attend the program. To collect data we used a sociodemographic questionnaire and a scale to check the reasons for order and degree of satisfaction that each one represented. The group of mature adults and elderly with a mean age of 64.57 years (SD = 6.43 years) was mainly composed of females (77.86%). In reasons to attend an Open University were more interested in investing in their own development with the increase of information and self-development, since more than 60% said that increasing knowledge is the first reason that brought them to the program, followed by personal development. Cluster analysis showed two distinct groups, and the motivation to join the program. It is suggested that, in the implementation of actions, it should be improved the welfare of these students, considering the differences in each group.
Elderly; Data Collection; Self Report; Motivation; University; Continuing education
