Editorial : active ageing, social inclusion and wellbeing: Benefits of learning in later life

Abstract

All papers together point to the heterogeneity of ageing with respect to gender, economic status, culture, and education. They make visible which kinds of educational benefits can be found in later life and what their relevance is for the individual as well as the society. Looking at the impact of education on active ageing, social inclusion, and wellbeing in later life, it is incomprehensible that big international comparing studies on education and learning of adults (such as the Adult Education Survey or PIAAC) exclude adults older than 65. At the same time, we can see the potentials of qualitative or smallscale studies to shed more light on the complex interaction of education, learning, social inclusion and wellbeing in individual biographies and to understand the needs of specific groups of older adults. For future both kinds of research are needed as well as further development of theories on education and ageing, also to inform older adults, adult education providers and policy makers about the potentials and benefits of learning in later life.