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Discussion

EPALE discussion: social inclusion of the ageing population and intergenerational learning

On Wednesday 28 October, starting from 10 a.m. CEST, EPALE will be hosting an online discussion on the social inclusion of the ageing population and intergenerational learning. Comments will be open on 19 October so participants can introduce themselves and post their comments in advance. Join our online discussion!

EPALE discussion: social inclusion of the ageing population and intergenerational learning .

The lifelong learning needs of older learners should be a priority for education providers who need to develop high quality and specific training programmes.
At the same time, intergenerational learning can contribute to social cohesion by promoting cooperation between different generations.

On Wednesday 28 October, starting from 10 a.m. CEST, EPALE will be hosting an online discussion on the social inclusion of the ageing population and intergenerational learning.

The discussion will include the following topics:

  • What adult education policies and initiatives can support social inclusion of older learners?
  • Has there been more attention to their situation in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • What target groups have you been working with, and what would be your recommendations to ensure that adults continue to play an active role in society as they age?   

We invite you to share your experiences and reflections during our online discussion, facilitated by EPALE Thematic coordinator Gina Ebner, Secretary-General of EAEA.

Comments will be open on 19 October so participants can introduce themselves and post their comments in advance.

Join our online discussion!

Likeme (26)
Štítky
Digital inclusion
European policies projects and funding
Skills
Older people
Social inclusion

Komentář

It’s a topic I’ve been working on for a long time. I currently coordinate a Study Circle on the Elderly and Technology. They are a group of 9 women between 65 and 85 years old. These people have a blog http://barrideleixample.blogspot.com/ From ACEFIR this topic is a priority. They propose what they want to learn, they don’t learn what I want. This is very important. We disagree with senior clubs or youth clubs. We prefer the Civic Centers as the city of Girona has in all the neighborhoods and in the center of the city where old and young people are. There are spaces for training courses, a library and a bar. I invite you to visit it virtually: https://web.girona.cat/ccivics
Likeme (2)

Dear all,
it looks like most of you had to run off for other things. The discussion will still be open, so please add any thoughts or ideas and especially consider Aleksandra's question about policy! After a couple of days, I'll write a summary of the discussion, which you'll hopefully find interesting. I'll check back at 16.00 and at a later stage. 
Let's talk soon,
Gina
Likeme (3)

As we all know, learning speed depends on many reasons and I think much more important is to keep the motivation to learn something, especially in older age. The process makes more sense than the result. And those who used to learn all the time (and not important exactly what) much easier to adapt new situations, challenges ect.  We generally need to promote lifelong learning in any age and for all generations. Many projects are implemented in this topic but still could be more. 
Likeme (4)

I agree it is vital to promote lifelong learning among the older generation and I think learning should be structured in an informal may where it will stem out the individual's experience in life.  Maybe they can also create their own learning paths.  

Likeme (0)

Hello everyone, and thanks for the introduction, Gina! I see that you already discussed different target groups and their needs in some detail - so many inspirational examples! I would be curious to know if there are policy initiatives in your countries, regions or cities that support intergenerational learning or programmes for older learners. Who do they focus on? Have there been any new developments or increased awareness in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic? Please share your examples and reflections! Ola 
Likeme (2)

Generations work closely with the Scottish Government who fully support the advancement of intergenerational practice across Scotland. There are many government policies which embed the approach including:
Likeme (1)

I've been wondering about this for the last couple of hours. I do agree that 'older learners' as a target group aren't necessarily that different from other groups. Also, it's a very heterogeneous group - from older workers / employees to 4th age pensioners in a care home - some are well-educated, some have missed formal education and so on. 
But what I have experienced (both as learner and teacher) is that learners have different expectations from course. I attended a Spanish course at and adult education centre (VHS) and wanted to make progress quickly. The course was supported by my organisation, so I could do it during the day. The other participants were pensioners, who wanted to take their time, learn with breaks for reminiscing about holidays in Spain etc. I found it very difficult to stay in this class and eventually dropped out and joined an evening class, which had more working people who were also interested in making more progress. Isn't this one of the differences?
Likeme (3)

You are right, I have the same experience, when learning Excel it was just to slow, and I could use my time in a better way. The time when the learning is influenced by your age is not before 70- 75, and that depends on your previous exposion to learning. And of course on the topics: sports or yoga might be different, but cognitive topics ....
Likeme (1)

I have had the same experience (Swedish course).
On the one hand, I think it is important to make it clear to whom an educational program is aimed. This can include that in a course announcement you also consider the learning pace and the context (professional or private concern).
On the other hand, perhaps not all traditional forms of learning are suitable for intergenerational learning? Perhaps we need different forms, such as perhaps project-oriented learning rather than the traditional (language course) teaching.

Likeme (2)

I agree that new methodologies could help enormously. I remember that it was extremely difficult to get 'real life' examples when I was teaching English in adult education, for example Supermarket flyers, menus, etc. Nowadays you can just get that online. There's much more potential to work differently (for everyone!)
Likeme (2)

Yes I agree the ubiquitous use of technology has paved the way for new learning opportunities.  This gives us ample opportunities to focus on rich educational resources to create a cohesive learning environment.

Likeme (0)

This is highly interesting and as outlined, I think the expectations we all have about learning vary.  The participants had different expectations and that is why more time was needed from end.  Moreover, as we grow up acquisition of knowledge differs when compared to the younger participants.  

Likeme (0)

The last projects are very interesting. I was wondering if it's possible to create specific projects with different target groups. For example, I was seing one project for youth, inventing educational games on the issues of preventing political radicalisation. I'm sure that it will be possible to include persons from all ranges of age. If we don't do it, probably is because stakeholders are focused not on methodologies but on target groups
Likeme (3)

That's a very good point David! We have an article on intergenerational learning in and through activism coming up in December. We'd like to address the stereotype that older generations don't care about the future of our societies, or issues like climate change.
Likeme (2)

This is a very interesting discussion and I agree with your frame of thought.  Including participants from different walk of life will ensure peer learning since during discussions they can learn from each other's experience.

Likeme (0)

Today we are  speaking a lot abour seniors , their activities,but let us remember that we have to work a lot with  younger generation as well to prepare them to be ready  to have closer links with seniors, to respect them , to understand them .

Likeme (4)

You are absolutely right. As Frank Mc Girr wrote in his comment:
"Perhaps we should look beyond education for examples of shared intergenerational experiences.
Which aspects of the following are unique to young/old. Which aspects are shared? Why is that?
sports fan, musician, adventure ..."
Having a look at interests/experiences, not at (traditional) learning. That seems to me a way to bring generations together.

Likeme (0)


In October in Latvia a great OECD project about skills was finished and as a result of that Skills programme with adequate strategies was adopted for 2021-2027 . It is very comprehensive including adult education as well . The aim of that programme is skills for everybody. It is the first programme in the Baltic countries. In the given link you can find materials in English and Latvian. I think they are useful also for any educational organization.
 I think that projects are the best way how to cooperate , find new ideas ,introduce innovations in teaching and learning. We university staff are always open to differnt and diverse projects.
Likeme (1)

Very interesting! It's excellent that adult education is included in general and older people specifically. Does anyone else have examples where adult / older learners are included in skills / educational strategies? I know that in Austria, the lifelong learning strategy and the 'seniors' strategies are closely linked
Likeme (0)

Let's do what we can during this specific C19 time! 
Digital Support Days. Starting from September 2020, Valmiera Integrated Library (Latvia) offers residents, especially seniors, support in the use of digital tools and e-opportunities. 
On the first Monday of each month from 10 am to 3 pm (consultations are possible outside the specified time by agreement), everyone is welcome in the library - within the limits of our possibilities, we will provide you with support and advice in solving various issues, for example:
How to handle a new smart device: the first consultation when starting to use a smartphone, tablet and computer; 
Support for using Microsoft Office (for CV, application and other documents);
Use of the Internet;
E-services (e-mail, e-invoices, use of latvija.lv, e-application, e-signature, press subscription, e-shops); 
Electronic declaration system; 
E-books;
Use of applications (Skype, Whatsapp, etc. as needed).
In case of more complex issues, we will look for an in-depth solution to the problem individually. Consultations are also available online via Google Meet, Zoom, and more. Support days in 2020: September 7, October 5, November 2, December 7.  
Likeme (2)

I'll now launch the next theme - it's about what is needed for adult learning and education for older learners and intergenerational learning.
What do you think needs to happen to make sure that adults remain active members of society as they age? What should be the role of adult learning providers? What support and conditions do we need?
Likeme (0)

As with other groups that are not represented in AE well enough, AE providers need to do:
reach out to other organisations/bodies: care homes, doctors, social workers, nurses etc ( was a result of the already mentioned MATURE project)
work with older people, not for them. Means: listen to their needs ,talk to them and give them a voice.
Make your organisations / houses older-people-friendly (look for easy access, hinderances..).
As I said: no differences to other under-represented groups. 

Likeme (2)

Dear colleagues
I suggest to go back to 2012 EUROPEAN YEAR FOR ACTIVE AGEING AND SOLIDARITY BETWEEN GENERATIONS.There were a lot of activities and a lot of projects  just demonstrating intergenerational relations. We can use these ideas on more developed  level.This year was really a great push to work with elderly citizens as sometimes we call - ""golden age "" .

It is worth looking also in the materials    of  the Joint Programming Initiative "More Years Better Lives "
""The Potential and Challenges of Demographic Change " (JPI MYBL) is an intergovernmental initiative gathering to jointly coordinate European and national research programmes related to demographic change and fund new transnational research initiatives.""  This is the quatation from their material. We have to keep in mind that research is also of great importance in planning our activities.
Likeme (2)

Dear all,
welcome back to the afternoon session of our discussion! I would suggest that we take about 10/15 minutes to wrap up the topics of the morning. Any more comments or ideas? Any more people interested in developing a project? Please use the time until 13.30 to do so!
Likeme (1)

Hi everyone. I read most of the topics and discussion. Most of you are doing great work in your communities. I took many ideas today! I was wondering if you are interested in partnerships for future inter-generational projects in European level (eg.Erasmus+)? I would love to hear from you on! 
Likeme (3)

Esam gatavi sadarboties Erasmus + pieaugušo izglītības, skolotāju vai vecāku izglītošanas,mākslas vai mūzikas skolas audzēkņu vai pasniedzēju pieredzes apmaiņā.  


We are ready to cooperate in the exchange of experience of Erasmus + adult education, teacher or parent education, art or music school students or teachers.
Likeme (1)

In the next couple of minutes, I'll start my lunch break and will be back at around 13.15 Brussels time. I'll then propose a set of new questions. Feel free to post in the meantime! Talk to you soon again
Likeme (2)

 A new question: does anyone have experience in working with very old people (also called 4th age, if I'm not mistaken)? In care homes, for example? My father went to day care for a year or so, and one of the carers organised a choir, which was very much appreciated. They also did chair gymnastics. My father was in his eighties and really enjoyed it.
Likeme (2)

We have worked a lot with 4th age people especially those living in nursing houses. We had organized a very innovative program for them for bringing them closer with children. We call the program Mystery in nursing houses and we had created 4 different escape rooms for schools in their place. We had over 2000 students that visited them and made them smile. Unfortunately COVID-19 was a big hurt because nursing houses are not allow any visitors anymore.
Likeme (4)

Hi, see my comment to the post of the lady from Scotland. And: yes, some experience. We had a so called "computer breakfast" for older, I mean really older people, some of them were octogenerians or nonagenerians. We even had a marriage between two nonagenerians who are now 180 years old combined! They got to know each other in the computer breakfast. But I agree with Frank: the atmosphere has to be relaxed, inviting. 
Likeme (4)

Hi this is amazing.  We can learn a lot from the older generation since throughout their life they gathered a lot of experience.  Their reality is totally different from ours due to the generation gap but their experience can help us shape a better future.  

Likeme (0)

Both poster have below have touched on Corona and its consequences. Can I ask the others what their experiences are? Did it interrupt everything? Did it help to create new methodologies and approaches?
Likeme (2)

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