Education in later life – The meaning of education for both older people and society

Abstract

The author deals with the meaning of education in later life for active ageing during the long transitory period called » Between work, retirement and old age«. Namely, this concept of a transitory period before reaching old age has recently replaced the older concept of retirement. During this period of time people in later life perform paid work and participate in education. They can (occasionally) go back to labour market or work as volunteers. The author examines demographic changes and discusses the value of education of all citizens and of all groups of older people for facing the challenges of the ageing society. Moreover, Dušana Findeisen deals with the characteristics of educational programs for people in later life. Finally she describes the Slovenian third Age University as one of the conceptually most developed formats and models of education in later life.