THE ROLE OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES AND PROGRAMS AMONG THE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN AUSTRALIA

Abstract

The article aims at outlining the role of educational programs and services for older Australians and reviewing the experience of Australia in providing other services and programs for the elderly.

In today’s world, issues relating to help and support for the elderly have received special attention due to the longevity revolution in the world. The Australian Government’s initiatives have always been aimed at providing support and assistance to older Australians in relation to health, education, finances and employment. It has been established that non-governmental institutions also come to the assistance of senior people by providing different educational services and creating programs.

It has been emphasized that educational services and programs for mature Australians are aimed at acquiring new knowledge and skills, combating social disengagement and alienation.

It has been stressed that Adult and Community Education sector plays a vital role in supporting older Australians to continue their learning, thus providing the ability to extend working life by upgrading their knowledge and skills.

The University of The Third Age is a movement offering daylight courses arranged on a term or semester basis with a wide range of subjects and delivering online learning via the Internet to older Australians.

Be Connected is an online service provided in order to improve skills, enhance the confidence and digital literacy of the elderly in Australia. The online recourses of Be Connected allow older Australians to acquire basic knowledge of using electronic devices and working with the Internet.

As a result of the study, it was concluded that educational programs and services for older Australians play an important role in contributing to their continuous learning and helping to participate in social and working life.

The scientific novelty of the research lies in giving an overview of the main educational services and programs for older Australians, stressing the importance of continuous education at older age and revealing the educational component of other provided services.