Promoting Community Wellbeing: The Case for Lifelong Learning for Older Adults

Abstract

Community wellbeing is a function of many factors working in concert to promote an optimal quality of life for all members of a community. It is argued here that the promotion of lifelong learning among older adults can significantly contribute to community wellbeing. The aging society is a worldwide phenomenon presenting both opportunities and challenges to community wellbeing. Research suggests that the more active, healthier, and educated older adults are, the less drain they are on family and community resources and services. At the same time, active and healthy elders contribute to community wellbeing through their accumulated life experience, expertise, and service. The relationship between lifelong learning and community wellbeing is argued from a social capital perspective. This framework contends that formal, nonformal, and informal learning activities of older adults promote an active and engaged lifestyle that helps create and preserve community. Issues of access and opportunity are also addressed.

International Perspectives on Older Adult Education

“…Although formal sites for lifelong learning for older adults have received much attention, non-formal and informal learning sites have remained neglected (Merriam and Kee 2014 ). In Ghana, little research has been done on "bridge occupations" (an employment transition from full employment to full retirement) and the informal learning that takes place among older adults.…”

“…These are formal, nonformal and informal learning. In discussion of types of learning, one area that has much relevance to older adults but has remained unrecognised is informal learning (Merriam and Kee 2014 ). Informal learning is "learning that is predominantly unstructured, experiential, and noninstitutional" and "which takes place as people go about their daily activities at work or in other spheres of life" (Marsick and Volpe 1999 , p. 4).…”

Learning Cities for All: Directions to a New Adult Education and Learning Movement

“…For example, Merriam and Kee (2014) make the case for lifelong learning that promotes "community well-being" in older adults along with Brookfield (2012) considering the impact of lifelong learning on communities. These recent accounts provide additional opportunities to insert the adult and continuing education field into the affairs of the community.…”

“…The dominance of lifelong learning has blurred the lines between education and learning (as distinctive domains; Thomas, 1991), both serving the person and the community, the individual and the society, the citizen and the city. For example, Merriam and Kee (2014) make the case for lifelong learning that promotes "community well-being" in older adults along with Brookfield (2012) considering the impact of lifelong learning on communities. These recent accounts provide additional opportunities to insert the adult and continuing education field into the affairs of the community.…”

Learning and Community Approaches for Promoting Well-Being

“…Haworth and Hart (2007) pointed out that community well-being is focused on understanding the contribution of a community in maintaining itself and fulfilling the various needs of local residents. Merriam and Kee (2014) defined it as a function of many factors working in concert to promote an optimal quality of life for all members of a community, young and old. Considering the great significance and influence of migrant workers' issues on society, there is now widespread concern and attention.…”