Projects / Programmes
Lifelong learning and the quality of life in later life periods
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 5.03.00 |
Social sciences |
Sociology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| S210 |
Social sciences |
Sociology |
quality of life, population ageing, life long learning
Researchers (5)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
Proposed project is a case study being prepared on the sample of lifelong learning projects participants of Grundtvig programme. Study strives to demonstrate the change of participants' perception of quality of life after taking part in the project in a way of positive correlation between learning activities in the later life periods (post work-life period) and improved quality of life.
Secondary goal of the study is to show the hindering elements preventing the extensive participation in lifelong learning projects in the third life period and to research the influence that different pathways to retirement have on the quality of life. Through this, the possibilities offered by lifelong learning and prolonged employment activity will be researched in the context of socioeconomic problems related to the ageing population.
Significance for science
'Lifelong learning and the quality of life in later life periods' project has shown that it is the 'learning' what positively affects on individuals perception of quality of life in later life periods. Departing form this finding, the reduction of lifelong learning to lifelong education – that is often present within contemporary social and education policies - proves to be insufficient when dealing with issues of how to improve quality of life in later life periods. Consequently the wide spectrum of nonformal and informal types of learning is often overlooked although they too importantly improve individual's life quality. Since only small proportion of population aged 45 or more is participating the formal education, the concept of lifelong learning should rather be understood as 'learning for life'. This opens a wide spectrum of options for social and education policies development, community activities development and future research in this field.
Future research activities in this field should address the issues of motivation for learning and social inclusion within the population in later life stages. The project distinctively showed that these are the main factors contributing to full and active life in third and forth life periods irrespectively of participation in formal or nonformal forms of lifelong learning.
Significance for the country
The project identified few areas that need to be redefined within the challenges posed by ageing societies for the policy makers and carriers of community development to be able to develop appropriate support environment for ageing population. These are: a.) proper understanding of lifelong learning concept, b) the need to support and promote 'learning for life', c.) support to nonformal and informal types of learning and social inclusion. Majority of project's research findings can be used as guideline for identification of appropriate policy measures stimulating the population in later life stages to actively engage in 'learning for life', social activities and consequently to fuller and better life in old age.
Focal point of future policies and policy measures is that learning in later life stages -irrespectively of being formal, nonformal or informal – contributes to quality of life in later life stages. Formal learning arrangements for adults and elderly in Slovenia fit this notion, but are not widespread enough in regard to Slovenia's social program documents. Nonformal and informal types of learning are not systematically encouraged, although they significantly contribute to quality of life. These types of learning activities should focus on the empty space created by increased social dynamics (technological development, changing role of family, changes in population age structure…) that often forces elderly into allienation or/end dependency.
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
