THE ROLE OF PARTICIPATION IN LIFELONG LEARNING COURSES AND ACTIVITIES IN PROMOTING ACTIVE AGEING

The world's population is getting older and elderly population is also growing rapidly in Turkey. Accordingly, issues related to the participation of the elderly in the lifelong learning process and active aging are gaining importance. As in the developed countries, there are a number of practices by a limited number of local government in our country to support the participation of elderly in the lifelong learning process and in this way to support their active aging. The opportunities offered to the elderly in the Elderly Club of Family Living Center in Ankara Metropolitan Municipality is one of the examples of practice in our country. Since 2005, Ankara Metropolitan Municipality has been offering life-long learning opportunities for citizens over the age of 50 to prevent social isolation and ensure social welfare by increasing the quality of life . The aim of this study is to examine the benefits of the participation of seniors in the lifelong learning courses and activities offered by local governments in the context of active aging. The study group is composed of 40 volunteer elderly aged 60 years and above participating in the courses and activities organized at the Elderly Clubs located in Kuşcağız, Planet and Pursaklar. Qualitative research model was applied and in-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured questionnaires in this study. The obtained data are analyzed using both content and descriptive analysis methods. The findings are classified under 3 topics; i) demographic characteristics of the elderly participating in courses and activities at Elderly Clubs, ii) the courses and activities attended by the elderly and iii) how participation in the lifelong learning process affected the daily lives of the elderly in the context of active ageing. In conclusion, attendence to courses and activities is greater in the age of 60-64. Considering that the education level of the elderly in this group are high, it is thought that education level is important for participation in courses and activities Courses and activities attended by elderlies are classified as; personal development courses and activities; leisure time activities and socio-cultural activities. Elderlies were more likely to participate in courses and activities such as painting, music, Quran, sports, tour, picnics and breakfast. It was determined that older adults’ participation in the courses and activities affected in terms of their social participation, health, life satisfaction, continuing production in retirement, intergenerational solidarity and social responsibility in the context of active aging.

Keywords

Active Ageing, Lifelong Learning, Elderly, Elderly Clubs, Local Government