Learning in Later Life: A Study of the Experience of Older Adults Engaged in Non-Formal Learning within the Community.

Abstract

As the world experiences a growing older population this research study explores the participation of older adults in lifelong learning within their community, their motivation for engaging with education, the challenges they face while learning as they age and the benefits derived from learning in a local environment, both at a personal and societal level. Using a qualitative research methodology, a group of older learners was interviewed to establish their views on these issues and to ascertain what is important to them in the learning environment. The study found older learners to be active and engaged citizens who do not regard age as a barrier to learning and view this life stage as one of growth and opportunity; learners want an informal, social learning environment - their relationship with both the tutor and their peers is of key importance; early school experience can have a profound effect on learners and must be considered by adult educators. A key finding was the lack of visibility of this age group, who are no longer in the workforce, in educational policy and planning, with an absence of hard data both at national and European level.