The increasing proportion of senior citizens in the population places new demands on the existing welfare system, in terms of the delivery of social services, but also with respect to democratic issues such as 'inclusion' and 'participation.' Participation in adult education offers a context where senior citizens can be included in society,…

Interest in older adult education (OAE) is intensifying for several reasons. The number of older adults in Canada is growing, increasing the proportion of older people in the population. Many older adults are now more active and want creative challenges, opportunities to learn, and chances to contribute to their community. In turn, cognitive and…

This chapter outlines and discusses the development of lifelong learning for elders in Hong Kong, including policies and provisions put in place by both government and non-government organizations over the past few decades. Same as other developed economies in the world, Hong Kong is also facing the challenges of a fast-growing ageing population.…

U3As have their origin in 1973 in Toulouse, France, with Professor Pierre Vellas. This French influence was also felt in Portugal and the first Portuguese U3A opened its doors also in the 1970's. However, from inception the Portuguese reality was very different from the French model, especially in regards to its promoters. However, both in France…

This article investigates the engagement of universities in older adult education in the specific context of Aotearoa New Zealand. Initially, the broader context of the tertiary education system and the place of universities within it are explained. Not unexpectedly adult education, and particularly older adult education, exists only on the…

Lifelong learning as a field has leapt forward, but work remains to inform the structuring and practice of lifelong learning institutes. This study furthers the field of institution-based lifelong learning by utilizing cross-institutional research regarding the value of lifelong learning to older adults. A content analysis coding approach is…

The Intergenerational Leadership Institute (ILI) is a yearlong certificate training program developed by Pennsylvania State University for older adults (55-plus) seeking new lifelong learning and civic engagement experiences and opportunities to contribute to innovation and change in their communities. Data from participant surveys and…

The humanist and critical principles of educational gerontology attribute different goals to education in later life. Self-Actualization is the goal of humanist educational gerontology, while empowerment, emancipation, and social change are the goals of critical educational gerontology. Liberal arts education is dominant in later-life learning.…

Lifelong learning is regarded as an important channel in promoting active engagement in later life for aging societies. While most studies depict older learners as a group resilient to engaging in lifelong learning, few have addressed the impacts of their social networks on their participation. Drawing on the nationwide lifelong learning program…

In view of the potential benefits that computers can bring to older adults, it is advantageous that they acquire a basic understanding of computer function. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it became necessary to register for vaccines online, and this posed a problem for some older adults who were neither knowledgeable in using computers nor had…

Health literacy skills are known to be a key mediator of the relationship between education and health in the general population. However, one aspect of health literacy skills--individuals' actual literacy activities--remains understudied, especially among older adults. Health disparities that are driven by inequalities in education and level of…

Facing the challenges of a fast-growing ageing population -- amidst the worldwide trends of declining birth rates and longer lifespans -- the Hong Kong government has since two decades ago developed and implemented policies and plans for senior adults in Hong Kong to engage in third age learning, both formally and informally. This paper first…

This paper considers the social significance of digital technologies in older adults' lives by exploring the impact the web has on their lived experiences. The study of digital literacies and digital cultures is mostly focused on youth, thus paying limited attention to older adults' engagement with the web. With this paper, we aim to contribute to…

This report presents conceptual frameworks for inclusive learning, good practices in learning cities and recommendations for the future. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on life in cities, as well as exposing and exacerbating almost all forms of inequality. Access to high-calibre, resilient infrastructure, reliable basic services…

Learning through life experiences as distinct from learning through the academy and courses have become increasingly important themes in later life adult education research and practice. Whilst the dominant discourse for most younger people is still about education and training for students in standardised and accredited courses, there is…