Integrating the Elderly in Society with Lifelong Learning Programmes: Indonesian Experiences

Abstract

Ageing populations are growing everywhere in the world including in Indonesia. The growth of the ageing population has led to policy concerns about how the country’s aged population is being cared for and supported, what approaches families and governments could do to meet the needs of the aged and how to encourage the ageing population to integrate into society in a way which would lead to them being a valuable asset while maintaining their well-being and enabling them to lead an active life. This case study explored the government’s and the communities’ policies that try to maximise the capacity of the aged and share the lessons from the study. Participant observation and in-depth interviews were employed in order to obtain the information, and content analysis was used to summarise the lessons learned from the study. It was found that good policies and the collaboration of community organisations can help the aged population to maintain their quality of life. The project identified the resources and contributions which the aged can offer to their families and communities while also enhancing their well-being. The policies implemented revealed great outcomes via a lifelong learning scheme under the community organisations, university social services learning programme and Silver Colleges. The study confirmed that encouraging lifelong learning among an ageing population can promote the inclusion of older adults in communities and recognise their contributions, reduce the risks of their isolation and challenge age discrimination. All of these programmes and activities lead to healthy and active ageing, and promote the well-being among the aged populations of the communities.