TCD Seminar Highlights the Importance of Lifelong Learning
Posted on: 01 July 2010
A recent seminar in TCD highlighted the important role education can play for people in later life by helping to foster independence, self-awareness and strengthen their contribution to society. The seminar, entitled Enriching the College Community with Older Lifelong Learning was opened by the Minister of State with special responsibility for Lifelong Learning Séan Haughey, and reflected on current approaches adopted for older learners in third level institutions and identified potential improvements that could enhance the quality of learning opportunities provided.
The concept of lifelong learning or education free from age parameters has achieved broad consensus across the European Union and it is now acknowledged that high quality, inclusive education is the basis of social integration and mobility. Advances in communication technology are beginning to make it possible for education to be provided directly into the homes of older learners offsetting the negative image that societal ageing can only be seen in terms of challenges to the workforce, the sustainability of social protection schemes and the organisation and financing of services, including health care. Recent research has revealed a number of links between an individual’s well-being and activity patterns amongst older persons which can be enhanced through education expanding both the cultural and professional resource represented by them.
TCD Vice-Provost/ Chief Academic Officer Prof Patrick Prendergast; Vice President of Irish Senior Citizens Parliament Ena O’Mahoney; Age Action Ireland representative Senator David Norris; Psychology Student Philip Martin Murray; Minister of State with Responsibility for Lifelong Learning Sean Haughey; Lecturer in Adult Nursing Jacinta Kelly and event organiser Jennifer Ryan.
Speaking about how education systems adapt to our changing social and demographic reality organiser of the event and lecturer in TCD’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, Jacinta Kelly said: “Many older people are living longer and healthier lives. In response to these changes education should not be narrowed solely to vocational preparation but can be viewed as a source of sheer pleasure, enlightenment and fulfilment in later life, especially for those who have not had opportunity to pursue this in the past.”
Speaking at the seminar Minister Haughey said: “Education should be a means of ensuring greater social contact, exchange of ideas and mutual respect between the generations. It is important to ensure that learning experiences are possible throughout every stage of life to enable each person to fulfil his/ her potential. Increased education brings better social awareness, improved health and active citizenship.”
The seminar was supported by TCD’s Equality Fund which aims to facilitate equality initiatives and to promote and celebrate diversity in all College areas.