Educational activities of older people in Poland, Czechia and Slovakia

Abstract

Population ageing is just as important a modern phenomenon as it is global. However, the process is not uniform on a scale of continents and within Europe, with the latter exhibiting the most advanced and widespread population ageing. Nowhere is it as dynamic as in the former Eastern Bloc. It is true for Poland, Slovakia, and Czechia as well. The researches involves pilot surveys in the three countries of interest. The part of the survey results discussed here covers the educational activity of the population aged 60 and over from rural areas. Rural areas were chosen for the study because, despite the abundance of learning opportunities for older people in Poland, Czechia, and Slovakia, rural areas have much less to offer in terms of education, also regarding seniors. Hence, it is necessary to identify the opinions and needs of the older rural population. Participation of older people in any form of education is a critical component of active ageing. Importantly, learning is a way for older people to be active in society. The educational activity is not just a fun way to spend time for seniors, but it can help improve their social participation, fend off ageism, and enhance the social and cultural capital of local communities. Still, for educational activity to play all these roles, a broad educational offer is needed fit for specific needs and capabilities of all groups of society, including rural seniors.