Ageing population and intergenerational cooperation
Fifth EAAL Forum on the Future of Adult Education

30 November 2021, online event (Zoom)

Life expectancy is increasing in Europe and Slovenia as well. Modern conditions enable most individuals to continue to be healthy even later in life and be able to continue to function in the labour market and society in general, and above all, to develop in all areas as individuals and members of various communities.

The principle of lifelong learning is essential for all generations, especially enriching and empowering a person in their third period of life. Through various programmes, projects and other activities, it is possible to ensure the equal inclusion of older adults in all aspects of life.

The share of the elderly in the population is increasing, and thus the issues of active, quality, decent life and life in solidarity of this generation are becoming increasingly important. They need to be addressed by decision-makers at the European, national and local levels. However, this must be a broad, multi-sectoral approach.

A comprehensive approach to the issue of an ageing society, raising awareness and cultivating values that connect and not divide generations, overcoming prejudices and forms of discrimination, establishing concrete forms of intergenerational cooperation – all these are the challenges of modern society.

Institutions that defend and protect the rights of the elderly to a dignified, fullfiled life and enable them to socialize, learn and (co)operate have an essential role in addressing them. Mutual learning and work not only connect members of the same generation but also establish solid, respectful ties between all generations.

The EAAL Forum on the Challenges of an Ageing Society and Intergenerational Integration was organized by the Slovenian Institute for Adult Education (SIAE) in cooperation with two umbrella institutions for the elderly.

The Slovenian Third Age University (SUTŽO) was founded in 1984 on the initiative of Dušana Findeisen and Ana Krajnc with the voluntary participation of many enthusiasts of all generations. The official founders were the Andragogical Society of Slovenia and the Faculty of Arts in Ljubljana. Since then, the Slovenian Third Age University has grown into a national network of 56 universities in 51 places across Slovenia.

The Slovenian Third Age University operates for the common good, taking into account its mission: to improve the lives of the elderly and the community based on education and culture. In doing so, it pursues several goals and principles. 

The Slovenian Federation of Pensioners’ Association (SFPA) has been active since 1946 and is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in Slovenia in terms of membership (180,000 members) and associations (over 500). It is a non-governmental, non-profit and self-help organization for pensioners with the status of a humanitarian organization and a public interest organization in the field of social services and culture.

The goal of the Slovenian Federation of Pensioners’ Association is to ensure the realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the improvement of the material and social position of the elderly and their quality of life, intergenerational coexistence and prevention of social exclusion etc. as well as active ageing and lifelong learning.

The joint event, which also presented excellent examples from practice – the Intergenerational Centre Kranj and the Third Age University Slovenj Gradec, was held on Tuesday, 30 November 2021, in an online version (Zoom) from 9:00 a.m. to 12:15. p.m.

Video

Main findings of the Slovenian Presidency international conference (Jožica Puhar)

On the Intergenerational Coalition (Jaka Trilar)

Videopresentation of the Seniors for Seniors programme (Sabina Črnila with collaborators)

Videopresentation of excellent practice: Kranj Intergenerational Centre (Mateja Šmid)

Education of older adults in the whirl of time. Why, how and what for? (Dr Dušana Findeisen)

Research-based learning: City 65+ Project, ageing between withdrawal and city planning (Meta Kutin)

Example of excellent practice: Slovenj Gradec University of the Third Age (Sonja Lakovšek and Mira Mori Hribar)

Education of older adults changes the image of old age (Prof Dr Ana Krajnc)

Recording of the whole event

Graphic harvest

(Lara Kastelic)

Programme

 

1st part: On human rights for all ages and intergenerational cooperation

Programme (PDF)

9.00–10.30

Main findings of the Slovenian Presidency international conference: ‘Human rights for all ages: Promoting a lifelong perspective and intergenerational cooperation’, Jožica Puhar, Slovenian Federation of Pensioner’s Association (ZDUS)

On the Intergenerational Coalition, Jaka Trilar, National Youth Council of Slovenia

Videopresentation the Seniors for Seniors programme, Sabina Črnila with collaborators, ZDUS

Videopresentation of excellent practice: Kranj Intergenerational Centre, Mateja Šmid, Kranj Adult Education Centre

 

Discussion

10.30–10.45

Break

2nd part: Slovenian University of the Third Age – learning for life and participation

10.45–12.15

Education of older adults in the whirl of time. Why, how and what for?, Dr Dušana Findeisen, Slovenian University of the Third Age (SUTŽO)

Research-based learning: City 65+ Project, ageing between withdrawal and city planning, Arch. Meta Kutin, PhD student, Architects’ Society Ljubljana and SUTŽO

Example of excellent practice: Slovenj Gradec University of the Third Age, Sonja Lakovšek and Mira Mori Hribar, MOCIS

Education of older adults changes the image of old age, Prof Dr Ana Krajnc, president and co-founder of SUTŽO

Discussion

 

Moderator: Zvonka Pangerc Pahernik, SIAE

Sign-language interpretation provided.

Important resources:

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