Successful ageing: contributions of non-formal (adult) education in a group of older people in northern Portugal

ABSTRACT

In the field of lifelong learning, it is universally accepted that education for and during old age is a powerful tool in the process of successful aging. This paper presents the results of a research and intervention project that worked with older people at a Day Centre belonging to a Private Institution for Social Solidarity in the north of Portugal, focusing on the promotion of successful ageing. The project involved a group of twenty-one older adults, aged between fifty-seven and ninety-two. Drawing on methodologies intrinsic to the qualitative interpretative hermeneutic paradigm and guided by the participative action research method, as a means of fostering motivation and participation among social agents, the intervention was structured around four workshops designed to promote human development. These activities provided opportunities for learning, interaction and leisure, transforming the daily lives of their participants. The outcomes were positive in terms of learning, more positive perspective of facing life and strengthening the interpersonal relationship network.

Acknowledgements

The translation of the text from Portuguese to English was funded by CIEd – The Centre for Education Research, Institute of Education, University of Minho, projects UIDB/01661/2020 and UIDP/01661/2020, through the national FCT/MCTES-PT fund.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Ethical standards

Ethical approval was not required for this study.