Education for older citizens: experience and future opportunities

Abstract

These statistics reflect the growth in the number of older people in society. The focus of adult education on ensuring social and cultural progress and developing the creative, innovative potential of each adult individual is becoming important. The experience of implementing the social project «University of the Third Age» was studied; the activity of such universities in Ukraine is characterized. It has been proven that Ukrainian universities of the third age are becoming educational centers for further personal growth of older people, their social integration and adaptation in the context of globalization. Approaches to the creation and organization of Universities of the Third Age are classified, namely: 1) UTA, created at the Territorial centers of social services, operate within their departments, often focused on social adaptation; 2) UTA initiated by several partners and can operate on the basis of institutions of higher education; 3) UTA represented by curricula (courses) of private educational institutions; 4) UTA, which are an integral part of public organizations; 5) independent public organizations functioning as separate UTS. A new view of old age has been revealed, where older people approach it as an active and productive period, open to change. Societal changes encourage senior citizens to respond and make innovative decisions to stay active in life. It is the  University of the Third Age» that make it possible to pay attention to this group of people and help them actively participate in public life, implement their accumulated experience, and acquire new knowledge. The introduction of Third Age Universities will help to preserve the most valuable thing - the life experience and wisdom of older people who will study in these institutions. A variety of specialties will give these Universities a unique character and distinguish them from the classical ones.