Universities of the Third Age: A demographic priority Case study in Poland Catherine Lockhead-Strzępka, M.B.A. Institute of Economics University of Information Technology and Management Rzeszów, Poland

 improve opportunities for active ageing  raise awareness of the issues and the best solutions  encourage policymakers and stakeholders to set themselves goals and take action

European Commission Third Demography Report - April 2011 EU population aged 65+ – increased from 13.7% in 1990 to 17.4% in 2010 – by about 30%

EUROPEAN AGENDA FOR ADULT LEARNING Priority area for the period Enhancing learning opportunities for older adults in the context of active ageing, including volunteering and the promotion of innovative forms of intergenerational learning and initiatives to exploit the knowledge, skills and competences of older people for the benefit of society as a whole.

Universities of the Third Age intellectual, physical and social aspects of non- formal education, learning opportunities for older adults in the context of active ageing, Encouraging those no longer in full-time employment to join together in educational creative/leisure activities.

Two Approaches (1972) French model teaching and learning taking place in traditional university systems (1981) British model ‘self-help’ run entirely by retired volunteers, often in low cost or highly subsidized community premises, or even members’ homes, with little or no support from formal education providers

Poland Adult education = ‘post-compulsory’ (ages 24-35) (formal, vocational) Participation of adults in continuing education in out-of-school forms 5.6 %, (EU average 9.1%) lowest among those aged 45-64

U3As in Poland since U3As, over 100,000 members (2% of pop.segment) 2012 the Year of the U3A in Poland associations or foundations (65%) within a university structure (13%) within local public administration (15%) 89% of all U3As in Poland financed by membership fees, 63% receive some local government support

University of the Third Age in Wrocław founded in participants (space available basis) Lower Silesian Forum of U3As 5 urban + 25 small town initiators active seniors University assistance links to local public administration

Link to Local Level Public Administration Decentralizing national reforms Provide educational and recreational functions and perform a social role  Public outreach  Interest lobby  Possible volunteer opportunities

Challenges ACCESS - those without higher education (58% vs. 7%) - social attitudes

Benchmarks Effective (participation grows) Efficient (volunteer basis) Relevant (demographics) Sustainable Synergies (public services) Transferable

Local and regional actors will be at the forefront of capitalising on the opportunities for active ageing. They are the ones able to understand and respond to the specific challenges that demographic ageing poses to their communities.

It is at local and regional levels that many of the most essential services are provided that enable older people to remain active. A crucial issue is therefore enabling local and regional actors to play their part.

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