Lifelong learning in later life : policies and practices

Abstract

Lifelong learning in later life has emerged as a decisive element in strategies advocating positive and active ageing. Suffice to remark that older adult learning has gained a constant presence in policy documents, ranging from international declarations such as the United Nations’ Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and the European Commission’s Adult Learning: It’s never late to learn, to national statements such as Malta’s National Strategic Policy for Active Ageing: Malta 2014-2020. It is believed that older adult learning allows citizens to remain healthy, independent and socially included as long as possible. Elderlearning is a necessary lubricant to keep a dynamo of opportunity and activity in the lives of older adults. This chapter commences by presenting an overview of older adult learning, followed by a commentary of European policy on late-life learning. Whilst the third section discusses what makes good practice in older adult education, the final section forwards possible future policies for late-life learning.