Throughout history, the elderly has contributed to society in innumerable ways, both through their sacrifices and actions. Many have abandoned goals and dreams of their own in order to put their children through school, take care of aging family members or travel abroad to provide assistance in times of need. Unfortunately, fewer opportunities are available for them as they age themselves. However, it is possible to reclaim these lost opportunities by providing access to life-long learning and hence honoring the valuable contributions of our senior citizens - not only for themselves but for society at large. Perhaps life-long learning can enable these individuals to reclaim lost goals; bridge generational divides; and strengthen bonds within communities and families.
According to IR Byock in Clinics in Geriatric Medicine (1996), life long learning is an important key to successful aging. Byock suggests that those who have sacrificed in life long learning should be given the opportunity to reclaim these lost opportunities. He further states that life long learning should not be limited to any specific age group and that all individuals, regardless of age, should be encouraged to pursue and engage in these activities. Byock emphasizes the importance of life long learning, noting that it can help to increase life satisfaction, improve cognitive functioning, and reduce the risk of depression and other mental health issues. Byock also suggests that the elderly should be given greater access to life long learning opportunities, such as through educational, recreational, and social programs. He further argues that these programs should focus on developing meaningful relationships, fostering a sense of purpose, and engaging in meaningful activities. By providing these opportunities, the elderly can reclaim lost opportunities for learning, and enjoy the many benefits that life long learning can provide.
Another article by J Warburton, SH Ng, and SM Shardlow on ageing and society (2013) also discussed the importance of life long learning for older adults. It argues that age should not limit the opportunities for older adults to participate in learning, and that opportunities should be made available to them to reclaim lost opportunities. Lifelong learning can help to keep older adults healthy and engaged in their communities, and it can also help to reduce the risk of social isolation. The article also acknowledges that there are obstacles that some older adults may face in accessing lifelong learning, such as physical and financial constraints. However, the article argues that these obstacles should be overcome, as older adults should not be denied the opportunity to reclaim lost opportunities. It is important to make sure that these opportunities are accessible to all older adults, regardless of their age, financial background, or physical constraints, as lifelong learning can have a positive effect on their lives. Therefore, it is essential to promote more inclusive policies and practices that will make sure all older adults have access to the same opportunities to reclaim lost opportunities in life long learning.
Reclaiming lost opportunities for those who have sacrificed in life long learning is a difficult but necessary goal. According to S Speight, N Lackovic, and L Cooker in their 2013 work, Tertiary Education and Management, through a ‘life long learning’ approach, individuals are able to re-enter the workplace with the skills and knowledge required to succeed. This requires both the individual and the organization to commit to the achievement of the learning and development goals of the individual in order to ensure they are able to reclaim the lost opportunity. For the individual, this means committing to the acquisition of the skills and knowledge required to re-enter the workplace, and for the organization, it means providing support and resources to help the individual achieve their learning and development goals. By reclaiming lost opportunities for those who have sacrificed in life long learning, organizations can benefit from a more diverse and competent workforce, as well as increased employee engagement and satisfaction, as individuals are able to pursue their learning and development goals.
By Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shahrul Mizan Ismail
Dean, Universiti Malaya Centre for Continuing Education
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