The third age and learning
Starting point of the working group
Europe is a continent going grey. Although the age structure of the population still is relatively balanced in many countries, the change will be rapid in the years to come. During the next 10 to 15 years, large post-war generations will retire. The profile of the retired population is also changing: the senior citizens of the future will be healthier, better educated and wealthier than before. The time spent on pension will be longer and the senior citizens of the future will also have a better ability to learn well into their old age. They form an important part of the society as consumers and voters.
On the basis of these facts it can be anticipated that the retiring population will feel that their "third age" is filled with possibilities. Education is one of the sectors competing for the senior citizens' attention. On one hand, it must be noted that, when measured by educational criteria, pensioners have received less schooling than the younger generations. Education could well be regarded as hobby-related activity helping to maintain intellectual agility. On the other hand, many of the ongoing social changes are remarkable challenges even for the elderly. Several public services will be transferred into information networks, and service on personal level diminishes. Knowledge of information technology is gradually becoming a prerequisite for using basic services. The increasing importance of senior citizens must receive due consideration in the actions for developing the society.
This also has an impact on education. Although the elderly can maintain their ability to learn, it is an ability different from that of the younger ones. We could see education in a very old-fashioned manner, as recreational activity offered for large groups. However, the interests of the people in their third age, including education, are as individual as in any other age group.
Working group H thus concentrates on exchange of experiences and information about what kind of education is provided for senior citizens, and what are the required arrangements. What can we learn from these experiences, what from the research in the field? What is the status of information technology in the lives of the elderly? What is the importance of a sense of community or social contacts in relation to education?
Excursion
The excursion is arranged by the Summer University of Turku within the framework of the University of the Third Age. The destination is a historical site of the ancient Turku, Vanhalinna, which is closely linked to the most popular subjects of the University of the Third Age, namely local history, archaeology and nature.
