The Educator in the Portuguese Senior University

ABSTRACT Educators are considered to be key players in the development of educational proposals of Senior Universities in Portugal. In the theoretical perspective of educational gerontology, this exploratory and qualitative research has identified the characteristics recommended for educators, based on the perspectives of older learners and educators, as well as those of technicians (researchers and experts) in the field of education for the older adults. Messages from 265 participants were submitted to content analysis and the results have shown that affective, primarily, and technical aspects of third-age education are seen as important, and thus recommended for those who teach seniors. The adoption of a technical-affective model for the teaching-learning practice regarding seniors is suggested.