Adult learning in a European Context

Ann-Kristin Boström Summary:

Summary:  The European Commission predicted that the ratio of people aged 65 and more as a percentage of the population aged 15-64 is expected to increase from 25% in 2007 to 54% in 2060. This change in demographics will have an impact on adult education and training because adult education will to a great extent be expected to include older people in the future. How will adult learning and training adapt to this new trend? Will the learning and training for older people be institutionalized, or will it be positioned in the informal sector? Or could this be organized from the top or by political decisions considering the importance of the motivation, psychological, and health status of the participants as well as the understanding of the degree of flexibility and understanding from the trainers and educators? The intergenerational gap that will exist between older participants and younger professionals might be overcome but should be taken into account.