Late-life learning in Europe : implications for social and public policy

Abstract

This chapter puts the spotlight upon the European Union’s conviction that lifelong learning holds a key role towards the achievement of a sustainable policy framework for an ageing Europe. For the EU, lifelong learning is a policy strategy that holds unlimited potential towards meeting wider economic, social and demographic challenges. More specifically, it is argued that the participation of older workers and adults in lifelong learning not only can aid senior citizens to upgrade their pension by earning extra income, but it also has the potential to contribute towards their further integration in civic society. This chapter contends that although these objectives are all positive developments towards the establishment of ‘active ageing’ societies, the interface between lifelong learning and later life is a more complex phenomenon, and includes social, cultural, and humanistic components that cannot be overlooked.