THE UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE IN THE CONTEXT OF NATIONAL SCIENCE PROGRAM HEALTHY AGING: THE CASE OF KLAIPEDA DISTRICT

Abstract

The thesis presents challenges facing the aging society. One such challenge is ensuring healthy and dignified old age. Its importance is demonstrated by the abundance of recommendations, programs, guidelines, and strategies related to the quality of life of the elderly. The National Science Program Healthy Aging is one of the documents defining the problems of the aging society. Its content emphasizes the contribution of science in solving these problems. In this context, the emphasis is put not only on scientific decisions but also on their dissemination to the target audience – the elderly. This promotes the importance of inter-institutional interaction. The thesis singles out the interaction between the higher education institutions and organizations intended for the elderly as one of the preconditions for the implementing of the idea of healthy aging. It presupposes the need to assess the integration of scientific solutions into the education of the elderly and the potential of such organizations of the context of healthy aging.

The object of the research is the University of the Third Age (U3A) of Klaipeda District. 

The research aims to evaluate the potential of the U3A of Klaipeda District in implementing the provisions of the National Science Program Healthy Aging. 

Objectives:

1. To identify the scope and forms of the U3A of Klaipeda District. 
2. To evaluate how the U3A of Klaipeda District corresponds with the guidelines of the National Science Program Healthy Aging. 
3. To prepare recommendations for the efficiency of the U3A of Klaipeda District.

Research methods: review of scientific literature, document study, data analysis.

The research has demonstrated that the specifics of the U3A of Klaipeda District, its target audience, and the organizational practices are effective channels through which educational activities can be carried out consistently and purposefully to ensure healthy aging. The interest of the elderly in the U3A is growing rapidly while creating favourable conditions for the implementation of educational activities.

The U3A of Klaipeda District promotes close cooperation with higher education institutions. This substantiates theoretical insights about the U3A focusing on the intellectual product developed in the higher education institutions. Its application farther from larger cities, and, consequently, from higher education institutions, is complicated due to limited abilities to invite prominent lectors. These circumstances do not limit the activities of the U3A of Klaipeda District, and the higher education institutions located in Klaipeda is a favourable precondition for efficient activities.

Educational activities are crucial not only for the U3A but also for the higher education institutions concerned about healthy aging. The result is the product of applied science and experimentation. Dissemination of knowledge about their use and application in ensuring healthy aging can be integrated into the U3A action plan and become a favourable precondition not only for the implementation of the National Science Program Healthy Aging but also other recommendations, guidelines, strategies, and programs aimed at dignified and healthy aging.