Ageing Policies Database
Lifelong learning is the continuous acquisition of knowledge and skills throughout one's life. For older adults, it involves engaging in educational activities to maintain cognitive abilities, enhance personal growth, and contribute to society. This can include formal learning, informal learning, volunteering, and community involvement. Lifelong learning empowers older people to stay active, engaged, and connected while enriching their lives.
Display 1 - 20 from 39 policies
Canada
The "National Public Education Campaign on Dementia Stigma Reduction and Dementia Risk Reduction" was implemented in 2021 by the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Dementia Policy Unit and Health Canada’s Communications and Public Affairs Branch. Implemented at the national level, this campaign targets older persons aged above 40, particularly women and those with chronic health conditions, as well as service providers aged above 18, at-risk adults aged above 25, individuals engaging in unhealthy behaviours, and adults aged above 35 with a focus on women and ethnic minority groups. It aims to reduce stigma related to dementia, raise awareness of dementia, increase knowledge of risk factors, and promote healthy lifestyle behaviours to lower dementia risk. Key measures included multi-media advertising and marketing, media tours with spokespeople, and a social media influencer campaign. Survey results demonstrated positive impacts: 76% of participants felt the ads reduced negative perceptions of those with dementia, 68% felt the ads effectively conveyed ways to support people with dementia, and 63% found new information in the campaign. For risk reduction messaging, 86% of participants recognized dementia risk as an important topic, 80% felt informed about risk reduction strategies, and 40% reported increased personal consideration of dementia risks.
Russian Federation
The "Vocational Training and Additional Vocational Education for Certain Categories of Citizens" was introduced in 2021 in Russia as part of the national project "Demography". Implemented at the national level and led by relevant governmental bodies, this initiative targets vulnerable groups in the labour market, specifically including citizens aged 50 and over and those nearing retirement age. It aims to enhance labour resource qualifications to balance the labour market and create conditions that promote active societal participation, prevent discrimination, and protect citizens' rights. Key measures include vocational training and additional education programmes that equip participants with new skills, improve employability, and shorten job search times. The selection of programmes is tailored to regional labour market demands, increasing participants' chances of finding employment in high-demand fields. Between 2021 and 2023, approximately 587,000 citizens received training, with 184,500 aged 50 and above, fostering professional mobility and adaptation to workplace demands. From 2025, this initiative will continue under the national project "Personnel". Training programmes prioritize quality employment and adaptability for older persons, enhancing their role in the workforce.
Germany
The "Service Centre 'Education and Learning for Older Persons'" was introduced in 2017 in Germany and is managed by the German National Association of Senior Citizens' Organisations (BAGSO). Implemented at the national level, this project targets older people to provide them with access to educational opportunities and support multipliers in educational work through qualifications in educational gerontology. The project aims to empower older persons by enabling lifelong learning and promoting active participation in society as they age. Key measures include operating a service telephone and the internet portal Wissensdurstig.de, which provides a wealth of useful materials, good practice examples, and online workshops. The portal serves as a comprehensive resource for older persons seeking educational opportunities and for educators specializing in gerontology. Additionally, the service centre provides information on various educational topics, supports the development of local learning opportunities, and fosters networking among educational providers to enhance the quality and accessibility of education for older persons.
Germany
The "Ageing Well with AI" project was introduced in 2020 in Germany and is managed by the German National Association of Senior Citizens' Organisations (BAGSO). Funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) under its AI funding guidelines, this project is implemented at the national level and targets older people and older persons' organizations to increase their understanding and engagement with artificial intelligence (AI). The project aims to equip older persons with knowledge about AI, empowering them to actively participate in discussions on ChatGPT, pattern recognition, and self-learning algorithms. It also seeks to ensure that older persons are recognized and considered in AI research and development, supporting the inclusion of their perspectives in the creation of new technologies. Key measures include providing various event formats, such as idea workshops, qualification sessions, and online lectures, to make AI concepts accessible and relevant to older audiences.
Germany
The "Digital Pact for Older People" was introduced in 2021 in Germany and is managed by the German National Association of Senior Citizens' Organisations (BAGSO). Implemented at the national level, this project targets older people to promote digital participation and improve access to digital technologies in their daily lives. The project aims to highlight the opportunities created by digitalization and enable access to digital tools in the areas of social life, housing, health, and mobility, dedicating half a year to each dimension. It brings together federal and state governments with business, research and civil society partners in a network to promote and strengthen the digital participation of the target group. Key measures include establishing a network among federal and state governments, business, research, and civil society partners to foster collaboration. In addition, the project provides basic digital skills training to older persons through nearly 300 local learning places across Germany. So far around 36,000 people have been able to benefit from this project.
Germany
The "Digital Angel PLUS" project was introduced in 2022 in Germany, funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) and managed by Deutschland sicher im Netz e.V. (DsiN). Implemented at the national level, this project targets older persons, particularly those in rural regions, to support their digital literacy and safe technology use. The project aims to enhance digital inclusion for older people by addressing both the benefits and risks of smartphones, tablets, and other digital tools in an increasingly digitalized world. Key measures include mobile advisory teams that travel across Germany in two buses, offering in-person guidance and support. The project extends its reach by integrating volunteers completing a voluntary social year (FSJ) with welfare organizations. Additionally, training courses for knowledge brokers are provided, which cover modules on various digital topics, such as education in old age, technology requirements, and funding opportunities. So far around 10,000 people have been able to benefit from this project.
Sweden
The new student loan policy was introduced by the Swedish government through CSN (Centrala studiestödsnämnden) in 2022 and implemented at the national level in Sweden. It offers updated terms for student loans, particularly focusing on older students. The policy extends the age limit for obtaining student loans to the year an individual turns 60, making it easier for older individuals to pursue further education. Additionally, the repayment period has been adjusted so that the loan must be fully repaid by the end of the year the borrower turns 64, instead of 60 as it was previously. For those who had already taken loans before 2022, the policy allows the option to combine their old loans with the new ones, simplifying the repayment process by consolidating the payments into a single annual amount. The new loan structure includes a 25-year repayment period, an interest rate of 0.59% for 2023, and specific provisions for administrative fees and potential loan forgiveness at the age of 72.
Russian Federation
The Annual "All-Russian Computer Multisport Championship among Pensioners" has the purpose to enhance digital literacy among Russian pensioners, promoting their engagement with modern technology and improving their financial literacy in the digital sphere. The championship is organized by the Union of Pensioners of Russia and Moscow State Humanitarian and Economic University, with support from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Russian Federation. Regional and municipal authorities, along with regional branches of the Russian Pension Fund, are also involved. The championship targets pensioners across Russia, including men over 60 and women over 55, as well as individuals with disabilities aged 35 and above. The competition is conducted at municipal, regional, and federal levels, with the final stage held in Moscow. Participants must demonstrate their skills in using the Yandex search engine, smartphone applications, and financial literacy. The competition themes are “Preservation of National Traditions of Russia” and “Health in Old Age as the Main Value of Life.” The event includes both in-person and remote formats, with specific measures to include older people and those with disabilities. The Championship was first initiated in 2022.
Greece
The policy "Basic Digital Skills Training for Older Women” under the NAPGE 2021–2025 in Greece was introduced in 2021 by the Ministry of Digital Governance as part of a national initiative. The programme helps older women to access digital health services, employment services, e-commerce, banking services, etc. and familiarize them with the use of devices and applications on a daily basis. It uses material of the Digital Academy of Citizens for the creation of educational programs adapted to the needs of older women.
Albania
The National Employment and Skills Strategy 2023–2030 aims to enhance skills development, ensure decent employment for all, and align the labor market with sustainable development goals. Key institutions involved include the National Agency for Employment and Skills (NAES), Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), and Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE). Stakeholders include employers, educational institutions, and international organizations like the EU and World Bank. This strategy targets the entire Albanian population, with a focus on youth, older persons, women, and vulnerable groups. It covers national and sectoral levels, impacting sectors like tourism, IT, energy, and agriculture. The strategy is divided in three different policy goals: (1) Skills Development, which focused on reducing skills mismatch, upskilling both men and women, and improving the overall functioning of the labor market; (2) Inclusive Employment, which aims to implement programs and services that support employment for all, ensuring decent work conditions and competitive salaries, and (3) Lifelong Training, with the objective of promoting continuous education and training opportunities to enhance employability and adaptability in the workforce. It aims to improve work quality, reduce informality, and increase productivity. Implementation involves monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and financial resources allocation. The strategy is set for 2023-2030.
Türkiye
The Digital Spring Project, initiated in 2021 and ongoing, is led by the Ministry of Family and Social Services at the national level in Türkiye. It targets older persons in nursing homes across the country, aiming to increase the participation of older persons and their families in social life, enhance their independent living skills through digital technology, and encourage practices that improve quality of life. Key measures include free, voluntary digital literacy training. The training project was launched in 5 pilot nursing homes in Istanbul in 2021 and has expanded to 43 provinces by September 2023, helping 1,923 older persons receive digital and financial literacy training under the ministry. It also established 10 "Digital Spring Rooms" in 9 nursing homes. In these rooms, older persons can actively use technology tools and the Internet to meet, see, and hear the voices and images of their distant loved ones.
Portugal
The Programme Qualifica aims to enhance adult education and training levels, thereby improving employability and fostering educational advancement among the population. The programme is implemented through a network of Centros Qualifica, which are supported by various entities including educational institutions, training centres, municipal councils, businesses, and local development associations. It specifically targets adults who have not completed their education and training. The programme has a broad national reach, with Centros Qualifica facilitating access across the country. Main Features & Strategies: - Lifelong Learning Promotion: Encourages adults to engage in ongoing education. - Guidance Services: Provides personalized guidance to adults based on their individual needs and backgrounds. - Competency Recognition: Recognizes competencies acquired through formal and informal experiences. - Passaporte Qualifica: Issues a document that records the competencies recognized and the qualifications obtained. - Flexible Qualification Responses: Offers tailored qualification options to meet the diverse needs of adults. The programme is executed via Centros Qualifica, which offer individualized services. These centres assess each person's history and goals to determine the most appropriate qualification pathway. The programme was established in 2021.
Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
The Tel mee met Taal programme is a comprehensive national action plan initiated by the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Its primary objectives are: - To prevent and reduce low literacy among adults. - To ensure that children do not fall behind in their educational journey. - To improve basic skills in language, numeracy, and digital literacy, supplementing regular education Programme. The programme is supported by various Dutch ministries, including the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science (OCW). Key stakeholders include schools, employers, libraries, and organizations in both the European and Caribbean Netherlands. DUS-i (Dutch subsidy implementation agency) is responsible for the implementation of the scheme. The programme covers the entire Netherlands. It targets adults with low literacy or digital literacy skills and parents who can influence the educational environment at home. The scope includes language, calculus, and digital skills improvement. Two main subsidy categories are available: one for employers to train low-literate employees and another for projects supporting low-literate parents. Organizations must apply together with at least two other parties, such as local libraries, youth healthcare institutions, educational institutions, or pre-school facilities. The maximum subsidy amount per application is €125,000. The programme is currently in its third iteration, running from 2021 to 2024.
Latvia
The Education Development Strategy for 2021–2027 aims to ensure quality education opportunities for all Latvian residents, fostering their potential development and lifelong learning capabilities. The Ministry of Education and Science is the main responsible institution, with support from various ministries including Defense, Economy, Finance, Culture, Interior, Welfare, Environment, Health, Agriculture, and the Cross-Sectoral Coordination Centre. This policy covers all levels and types of education in Latvia, targeting the entire population. It aims to address national educational needs and align with both Latvian and European Union development and policy planning documents. Key strategies include enhancing teacher and academic staff qualifications, modernizing educational offerings to meet labour market demands, providing support for individual growth, and ensuring sustainable and effective management of the education system. Implementation involves creating action plans for different periods and regular evaluations. The policy was adopted on June 22, 2021 and it will run until 2027.
Estonia
The Digital Society Development Plan 2030 is a strategic document that outlines the vision and action plan for developing the Estonian economy, state, and society with the help of digital technology in the next decade. The plan was adopted in 2021. The plan covers three main areas: digital government, connectivity, and cybersecurity. The main stakeholders involved in the plan are the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, other ministries, and various stakeholders from the education, health, social, cultural, and business sectors, as well as the civil society. The plan aims to provide high-quality and inclusive digital services for all, foster lifelong learning and innovation, and ensure the security and resilience of the digital society. The target population includes all people in Estonia, including older persons and other vulnerable groups, who may face digital exclusion or challenges in accessing and using digital services. The objective of the plan is to enhance Estonia's digital power. The plan is structured around the following sub-objectives: 1) Digital government, 2) Connectivity, and 3) Cyber security. The plan defines the main features, strategies, and interventions for each area. The plan is expected to be updated every four years and to last until 2030.
Cyprus
The Cyprus Lifelong Learning Strategy (CyLLLS) 2021–2027 aims to develop a knowledge-based society by providing learning opportunities for all citizens. Key objectives include establishing a governance framework, reducing youth unemployment, increasing adult participation in lifelong learning, and enhancing the professional practice of educators. The strategy is coordinated by the European and International Affairs, Lifelong Learning and Adult Education Office of the Ministry of Education, Sport, and Youth (MESY). Key stakeholders include the National and Technical Committees, various public authorities, and social partners. The strategy targets all citizens of Cyprus, focusing on youth, older persons, and vulnerable groups. It covers the entire nation and spans multiple sectors, including education, labor, and social inclusion. The strategy emphasizes digital and green transitions, inclusion and equality, validation of non-formal and informal learning, and health and well-being. Implementation involves setting up governance, monitoring, and evaluation frameworks, providing learning opportunities aligned with labor market needs, and enhancing outreach and communication. The strategy covers the period 2021–2027.
Serbia
The "Strategy for Digital Skills Development in the Republic of Serbia for the period 2020–2024" was introduced in 2020 by the Government of the Republic of Serbia, with a 1st Action Plan covering 2021–2022 and a 2nd Action Plan for 2023–2024. The strategy is implemented at the national level through a collaborative effort involving key ministries, such as the Ministry of Trade, Tourism, and Telecommunications, and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technological Development, along with international organizations like UNICEF and USAID (CFG), and initiatives like Propulsion's New Literacy project. The strategy aims to improve the digital knowledge and skills of all citizens, including members of vulnerable social groups, in order to enable the monitoring of the development of ICT technologies in all fields and to meet the needs of the economy and the labour market. It provides different trainings for learning basic digital skills that cover as many men and women citizens as possible, especially among older persons, as well as in areas perceived as having fewer ICT users, such as rural areas and smaller urban environments.
France
The Action plan for the professions of older persons and independent living aims to enhance the attractiveness of professions in care for older persons and autonomy sector, improve working conditions, and address the high demand for recruitment in this field. The policy involves the French Government, specifically the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Insertion, and the Ministry of Solidarity and Health. Key stakeholders include regional health agencies (ARS), Pôle Emploi, and various professional branches within the care for older persons sector. This national policy targets professionals in care for older persons and autonomy, including those working in EHPADs (nursing homes) and home care services. It aims to address the needs of the ageing population across France. The policy includes several key strategies, such a revaluation of salaries with significant salary increases for care workers; urgent recruitment drives resulting in thousands of new hires; enhanced and expanded training opportunities to improve professional qualifications, and initiatives to improve working conditions and reduce job-related stress. Since its adoption, the policy has led to the recruitment of thousands of professionals and significant salary increases, improving the sector's attractiveness. The policy was adopted in October 2020.
Finland
The Population Policy Report of Väestöliitto has the objective of promoting the well-being of the nation, ensure ecological sustainability, and uphold global responsibility. The policy emphasizes inclusive decision-making, human rights, and scientific evidence. The main institution involved is Väestöliitto, the Family Federation of Finland, along with various experts and organizations in Finland. The report targets the entire population of Finland, addressing issues such as birth rates, immigration, internal migration, and sustainable population growth. It aims to influence national demographic trends and regional development. Key strategies include supporting families to have their desired number of children, promoting family-friendliness, increasing immigration, and enhancing integration services. The policy also focuses on ecological sustainability and balancing economic and social stability. The report highlights the need for continuous monitoring and adaptation of population policies to address demographic changes and their effects on public finances, health, and regional development. The report was published in 2020, with ongoing implementation and monitoring to adapt to future demographic trends.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Government of the Republika Srpska adopted the Strategy for Adult Education in the Republika Srpska for 2021-2031. Adult education is, among other things, a manifestation of lifelong learning and an integral part of a complete and uniform system of education in the Republika Srpska. The mission of adult education is to provide adult citizens with the right to lifelong education and learning and thus contribute to their personal and professional development, better employment and social participation of citizens in the Republika Srpska. The basic way to support personal development and the ability of an individual is to remain healthy and active. The Training Programme and three specialization Programme have been declared publicly valid.