Adult-elder continuous learning and quality of life: reflecting on possibilities in extension activities in the universities

Abstract

This paper discusses the theme of the importance of the adult-elder continuous learning for good life quality. It is a theoretical reflection. It approaches the subject starting from the current supply of adult-elder participation in extension activities presented by several universities in our country. In the first part it talks about the origins of the idea of Life Quality, to get to the concepts postulated at the present time, including the definition of Life Quality formulated now by the World Health Organization. The second part presents five reasons why continuous education is important and can make good Life Quality possible for adult-elders who are implicated in it and who are open to it. Dealing with continuous learning highlights the human being need to learn to commit and to implicate himself to his own process of living, caring about this process, and building it in a way that provides effective Life Quality during all his vital cycle. It is considered that for the human being, the learning processes are fundamental not only for their survival, but also for a good quality existence. Finally, in the last part, the participation of the adult-elders in the extension activities presented by the universities as an optional subject and free personal decision is discussed, and also the reception of the opportunities offered, and the access and implication to those possibilities of education involvement, getting committed with a process of continuous education. Key-words: continuous education, elders, life quality, aging, extension activities.