Education and learning for active aging: promising practices and findings from the Age-It Research Program

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Adult Education
• Public Policy

Background:

• Older adults' engagement in learning and participation is crucial for active and healthy aging.
• Existing organizational practices supporting older adults are diverse but often lack systematic evaluation.
• The Age-It Research Program aims to build an evidence base for policies and programs fostering older adult learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map "promising practices" in organizations supporting older adults' participation and learning.
• To identify strengths and weaknesses in current programs for older adult lifelong and lifewide learning.
• To inform the development of effective policies and programs for active and healthy aging.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach using a sequential explanatory design.
• Quantitative data collected via questionnaires from 43 public and private organizations.
• Qualitative data gathered through semi-structured interviews with program coordinators and managers.

Main Results:

• 50 "promising practices" were reported, focusing on social inclusion, health, digital literacy, and intergenerational activities.
• Key weaknesses identified include lack of coordination, limited inter-organizational exchange, funding, and sustainability issues.
• Qualitative analysis revealed themes of frailty prevention, empowerment through innovation, and active participation.

Conclusions:

• The study reveals a rich landscape of activities but highlights challenges in collaboration and quality assessment frameworks.
• There is a clear need for further research and evaluation of practices aimed at older adult learning and participation.
• National policies for active and healthy aging should prioritize resources for education and skill development to enhance older adults' social participation and recognition.