Lifelong learning: University programs for older students in Spain as a response to a new social reality

Abstract

Senior education is one of the key roles that Spanish university must play today within the framework of lifelong learning in the current demographic context. Lifelong learning generates many benefits and opportunities for the elderly, while representing a great individual and social challenge as a sociological phenomenon. This essay reflects the expansion of University education programs for adults in Spain, the reasons and benefits of returning to university classrooms, describing one of the benchmark programs in this kind of educational offer.