Introduction:

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a construct that has been considered the most responsible for the success or failure of human beings, highlighting also the contributions of Senior Universities in its development.

Objective:

Evaluate emotional intelligence of seniors enrolled in Senior Universities and verify associations with sociodemographic variables.

Methods:

Cross-sectional, descriptive/correlational and quantitative study, which used a non-probabilistic convenience sample, consisting of 122 elderly people enrolled in the Senior University of the Center of Portugal. The measurement instrument used included a sociodemographic data sheet and an Emotional Intelligence Measurement Scale (EIM).

Results:

Mainly female population (58.1%), with an average age of 62.3 years, married (62.3%), with the 9th grade of schooling (40.3%), retired (72.1%) and with meager economic resources. They present high levels in the various dimensions of EI (>60%), with emphasis on self-motivation, empathy and sociability. Conversely, the lowest values ​​refer to self-awareness and self-control. The association between variables did not show significant statistical significance (p>0.05), however, the mean values ​​suggest that EI (in most dimensions) is higher in men, in older individuals (>70 years), married, with 6th year of schooling, with lower monthly income and those most dissatisfied with the value of the pension.

Conclusion:

The study reinforces the relevance and legitimacy of research in the area of ​​emotional intelligence of the elderly towards the implementation of programs to promote EI, with a special focus on self-awareness and self-control.

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