Older adults as a special learner audience

Abstract

From the very beginning The Third Age University of Slovenia has been an independent organization, similar to socie- ties registered outside regular universities. The approach that the Third Age University developed is based on the coo- peration between mentors and students. This approach has become traditional and still characterizes our education of older adults. Different generations live in different social networks and circumstances. Studying represents a way of life for older people and the quality of older adult education depends on the quality of mentors and mentoring. Mentoring is an intimate relationship between the mentor and the learner. A characteristic of mentoring at the Slovenian third age universities is a rich intergenerational cooperation. Mentoring has thus become a common approach in education and represents a substantial part of independent individual learning.