The significance of lifelong learning in a changing world
H. Mollenkopf
Full text PDF 
( Download count: 18088)
AbstractThe increasing pace of social, structural, and technological change over the past decades has brought about a multitude of challenges for society in general and the aging population in particular. Among other things, blue-collar as well as white-collar workers can no longer rely on the vocational training and education they finished in their younger days to provide for them over the course of their entire lives. The impact of technology's ever widening use in society, such as the automation of services and the increase in motorized traffic, sometimes make it difficult for elderly people to maintain their autonomy and social life outside the home. Information about many different spheres of life, for instance, is increasingly offered in electronic form instead of printed media. All these changes make life-long learning a significant issue as a person ages. This presentation addresses the most important aspects of learning in a technological society, such as the recent historical developments of education and the contextual and personal preconditions for learning. It will differentiate between jobrelated from non-job-related learning, consider formal and informal learning opportunities, and show ongoing efforts in developing adequate training systems for older adults. Moreover, the presentation examines trends in the availability and use of new technologies suited for life-long learning, generation-related changes, and in conclusion, future perspectives.Keywords: lifelong learning; autonomy; older worker; training
H. Mollenkopf (2002). The significance of lifelong learning in a changing world. Gerontechnology, 2(1), 3-14
https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2002.02.01.002.00