On November 4 and 5, 2025, in cooperation with the Faculty of Education of Charles University and the Czech Andragogical Society, the 15th annual international scientific conference Adult Education 2025 took place, this year with the subtitle Transformation and Perspectives of Lifelong Learning.
The conference was attended by a wide spectrum of academics not only from the fields of andragogy, gerontagogy, gerontology, social work, and pedagogy, but also by practitioners from social and health-social services. Both domestic experts and international specialists from partner universities and institutions participated in this professional event, sharing their knowledge on the development and transformation of adult education in the European context. Discussions confirmed that education and activation of older adults represent a key component of sustainable societal development and that the exchange of experience between researchers and practitioners is essential for further innovation in educational approaches and the support of lifelong learning.
The professional guarantor of the conference was Prof. PhDr. Jaroslav Veteška, Ph.D., MBA, chairman of the Czech Andragogical Society and head of the Department of Andragogy and Education Management at the Faculty of Education of Charles University. The professor opened the conference, which focused on the changes and direction of adult education in the context of contemporary society, digitalization, and demographic shifts, with special emphasis on new challenges in the activation of seniors, competence development, and professional education of workers in helping professions.
During the conference, papers were presented on the education, activation, and quality of life of seniors in the context of the concept of longevity, i.e., extending the active and meaningful phase of life in good physical, mental, and social health. Experts agreed that supporting the education and activation of seniors is a key element of sustainable societal development, not only in terms of health prevention but also in strengthening autonomy, interpersonal relationships, and the participation of older people in social life. Further contributions focused on a wide range of topics – from the development of cognitive skills through education and the use of game-based and pedagogical elements in working with seniors, to community care and activation as an integral part of seniors' quality of life. Innovative forms of reeducation in everyday activities were also presented, demonstrating that education and skill development can naturally take place outside formal learning environments. In line with the key themes of the conference, one of the contributions focused on the changing needs of seniors and the growing importance of lifelong learning even in older age. In particular, the Alive project was presented, which seeks to remove barriers to education and create sustainable tools for the 55+ age group, with an emphasis on flexibility, comprehensibility, and practical skills. The promotion of social contact and individual approaches in senior education was also discussed. In conclusion, it was emphasized that investment in education and micro-certificates, including the connection of intergenerational groups, brings significant benefits to the quality of life of all generations, which fully corresponds with the concept of longevity as the expansion of the active and meaningful stage of life. Contributions were also presented on the role of cultural institutions in senior education, showing that lifelong learning can be realized in a wide range of contexts, including museums, community centers, and social service facilities. Further papers addressed the management and professional development of social service workers, including strategic management of retirement homes and competence development of activation workers. Last but not least, attention was focused on the connection between health and education, highlighting interdisciplinary links between prevention, education, and quality of life in older age. Overall, the conference showed that the concept of longevity cannot be understood merely as extending life, but primarily as expanding its active and meaningful stage, in which education and activation support healthy, confident, and high-quality aging.
The fifteenth edition of the Adult Education 2025 conference confirmed that this traditional event represents an important platform for professional discussion, sharing good practice, and connecting the academic and applied spheres. The conference conclusions emphasized the need to develop inclusive, accessible, and innovative forms of lifelong learning that respond to the changes in contemporary society and support the quality of life of all generations.
Author: Mgr. Danuše Dvořáková Department of Andragogy and Education Management, Faculty of Education, Charles University