Education has long been valued as a powerful tool for addressing social challenges, yet we often think of it as primarily benefiting younger people. But why should education stop when we reach adulthood? The truth is, learning should be a lifelong pursuit that benefits all adults, regardless of age. The world is rapidly changing, and to navigate this new landscape effectively, people of all ages need access to continuous learning opportunities.
Our current era is characterized by technological advancements and environmental challenges, both of which have a profound impact on older adults. On one hand, technology can lead to social and economic exclusion, while on the other, extreme weather events present severe health risks for older populations. Lifelong learning equips older adults with the knowledge and skills to remain actively engaged in society and manage these challenges.
The Impact of Technological Revolutions on Society
Throughout history, every technological revolution has displaced people, disrupted communities, and divided society into winners and losers based on skills, geography, and overall well-being. For instance, during the Industrial Revolution, countries that invested in education and reskilling saw more inclusive benefits. This was evident when countries like Germany, the US, and Sweden, which prioritized technical education, managed to harness technological advancements more effectively than those that did not.
Education has always been a reflection of a society’s priorities. In many cases, countries that invested in education, particularly in areas related to scientific progress, were better positioned for long-term success. Technological advancements have created new ways to produce, work, communicate, and live, but these innovations alone are not enough. The benefits of technological progress can only be fully realized when people are educated and equipped to utilize these new tools and opportunities.
Lifelong Learning in a Technological World
For older adults, understanding and using technology can significantly enhance their quality of life. From staying socially connected with family and friends to managing everyday tasks like banking and shopping, digital tools offer countless benefits. Moreover, access to telehealth services allows older adults to manage their health from the comfort of their homes. Yet, despite these advantages, a digital divide persists, often leaving older adults behind. The fact of the matter is that many digital tools are not designed with older people in mind, reinforcing stereotypes and excluding them from the digital society.
To bridge this gap, lifelong learning should include digital literacy training tailored to older adults. These programs could be offered in community centers, libraries, non-profit organizations, or online, ensuring that older adults remain active and engaged members of society. Training programs can help build confidence and competence in using digital tools, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and ensuring they can fully participate in the digital age.
The Role of Lifelong Learning in Environmental Resilience
As the world faces profound changes due to climate dynamics and resource depletion, two pressing issues affect older adults: the impact of extreme weather events on their health and the need for environmental sustainability. Lifelong learning plays a crucial role in both areas. Education on environmental issues can help older adults prepare for natural disasters and climate-related health risks. For example, training on how to manage heat waves, read evacuation plans, or build emergency kits can significantly reduce risks and improve resilience during extreme weather events.
At the same time, education empowers older adults to actively contribute to environmental sustainability. By raising awareness about climate change, older adults can advocate for better policies and adopt more sustainable practices in their daily lives. Many older individuals are already involved in environmental volunteerism, demonstrating a strong willingness to protect the planet.
Why Lifelong Learning Matters Now More Than Ever
Lifelong learning is not just about surviving in a changing world; it is about thriving. As we navigate the complex, interconnected challenges of today—whether they are technological or environmental—continuous education becomes the key to unlocking opportunities and overcoming obstacles. In the words of Leonardo da Vinci, ‘the noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding’. And in the modern world, understanding comes through learning—at every stage of life.
In this new landscape that is increasingly digital, environmentally conscious, and ever-evolving, we must embrace the power of education to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, can enjoy the benefits and mitigate the risks of our changing world. Lifelong learning is the bridge that can help us all move forward, together.
A more extended version of this article can be found here.
About the Author
Dr Chiara Natalie Focacci is a Research Fellow at the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing.
Opinions of the blogger is their own and not endorsed by the Institute
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