Geragogy: The Science of Education for Older Adults
What is geragogy?
Geragogy is a branch of pedagogy that focuses on the education of older adults. It takes a holistic approach to education, considering the physical, mental, social, cultural, and spiritual aspects of aging.
Goals of geragogy:
- To help older adults cope with the challenges of daily life.
- To improve the quality of life for older adults.
- To maintain the active participation of older adults in society.
- To promote the empowerment and development of older adults.
- To address the specific needs of older adults in the fourth age, who may face challenges related to mobility and dependency.
Functions of education for older adults:
- Instrumental functions: Education helps to solve problems and deal with difficult life situations.
- Social and cultural-civilizational functions: Education becomes a lifestyle and a way to experience old age.
- Auxological functions: Education provides an opportunity for development, stimulating personality changes and preventing atrophy.
Methodology of geragogy:
- Focuses on the autonomy of the older person, their will, and their subjective needs.
- Provides older adults with the opportunity to independently and critically evaluate their own lives and experiences.
- Stimulates activity and reflectiveness in older adults.
Types of geragogy programs:
- Programs for older adults who want to learn.
- Programs for educators who teach older adults.
Benefits of geragogy:
- Better coping with everyday life problems.
- Higher quality of life.
- Increased activity and social engagement.
- Personal and spiritual development.
In conclusion, geragogy is an important field of study that helps older adults live full and meaningful lives.
Additional resources:
- Geragogy – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geragogy
- Polish Geragogical Society: https://ptg.edu.pl/