Balance and perspectives of lifelong learning programmes in the international arena from the perspective of adult learning

This paper reviews non-workplace-based lifelong learning programmes designed for people ages fifty and older in the international arena from the perspective of adult learning. Mindful of the aging world population and prospects for rising numbers of seniors from age fifty to seventy-four years old and older seniors age seventy-five years and more, investment in activities and programmes that enable healthy aging is becoming a matter of great political, social and economic importance. The aim is to harness the potential of effective decision-making about the aging process, in order to maintain the functional abilities of people as they age as long as possible in the best conditions. Participation is a very important element in this process. The possibilities are vast; both volunteering and participation in physical, cognitive and social activities improve the quality of life, especially the educational and cultural projects that most developed countries have been developing since the late 1960s, although at different paces and with different ways of implementation, but with the same result in regard to improving opportunities for health and the quality of life. In light of these issues, the importance of bringing education to all people as a right, with particular emphasis on social groups with the greatest difficulties, is considered. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer review under responsibility of Prof. Dr. Huseyin Uzunboylu