Introduction
Population aging is a phenomenon that fundamentally affects the structure and functioning of the entire society. Slovakia, like many other countries, is facing demographic changes that bring with them not only challenges, but also new opportunities. One response to this development is the concept of active ageing, which emphasizes the need to support older people in health, education, social participation and safety. The goal is not only to prolong life, but especially to improve its quality even in old age. We focus on the analysis of possibilities and forms of active aging in Slovakia, with an emphasis on the education of seniors and the role of regional educational centers as key actors in this process.
Active aging in the conditions of the Slovak Republic
Population aging represents one of the most significant demographic challenges facing modern society. Slovakia is no exception - according to the data of the Slovak Statistical Office, the number of people aged 65+ is constantly growing. In response to this fact, the concept of active aging is increasingly emphasized, which is also supported at the level of national policies and strategies. The World Health Organization defines active aging as the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and safety to improve people's quality of life as they age (WHO, 2022).
The National Program for Active Aging 2021-2030 (NPAS) is dedicated to supporting the education of seniors, while identifying digital literacy as an area in which Slovakia has significant reserves, especially for people over 75 years of age. This document sets strategic goals aimed at legislative support for lifelong learning, increasing awareness of seniors about educational opportunities and developing their competencies with regard to the labor market. At the same time, it highlights the importance of informal and community education as a tool for social inclusion.
Active aging in Slovakia represents a strategic approach to the aging of the population, which focuses on supporting the health, participation and safety of older people with the aim of improving their quality of life. This concept is based on the definition of the World Health Organization (WHO) and is part of national policies and programs (Active aging program in Nitra for the years 2023-2030, 2025).
The Municipal Office in Nitra developed the Program for Active Aging in Nitra for the years 2023-2030. It is a strategic document that aims to support seniors in an active and dignified life, to improve their health, social ties and overall quality of life. The program is based on the international recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and follows on from the National Program of Active Aging for the years 2021-2030, adopted by the Slovak government.
Education of older adults
One of the key areas of active aging is lifelong learning. Seniors are increasingly involved in educational courses, universities of the third age, or community activities. Universities of the third age in Slovakia represent an important educational opportunity for older adults, which enable their personal development and integration into social life. There are 17 universities of the third age operating in Slovakia, which offer studies in various fields from languages to psychology. In addition to them, educational centers also play an important role, which, based on the Act on Cultural and Educational Activities, provide educational and cultural activities aimed at various target groups, including seniors. These centers organize lectures, courses, creative workshops, events supporting civic engagement and intergenerational dialogue. Such programs not only develop the mental condition of the elderly, but also significantly contribute to their social inclusion and quality of life (Gracová, Selecký, 2017; Act No. 189/2015 Coll.).
The education of seniors brings benefits not only for individuals, but also for the whole society, as it supports their psychological, physical and social well-being (Duffková, Urban, Dubský, 2018). The content of education should be flexible and reflect current social and natural changes (Krysoň, 2011). Successful education requires knowledge of the needs of older adults, as it is a voluntary activity that contributes to the quality of life (Holczerová, Dvořáčková, 2014).
Mareš (2014) points out that educational programs must respect the specifics of older age - including cognitive and physical changes - and at the same time support creativity and emotional well-being.
The interest education of seniors is part of the activities of universities of the third age and represents an important form of informal education in older age. According to Šerák (2009), these are various activities that allow individuals to develop creatively in their free time, taking into account their personal interests. Interest-based education helps self-realization, strengthens the feeling of meaningfulness and subjective satisfaction (Kupcová, 2014).
Regional and regional initiatives of awareness centers
In recent years, active aging has become an important topic in the context of demographic changes in Slovakia. The aging of the population brings with it challenges but also opportunities, especially if seniors are involved in social life and have access to meaningful activities. An important role in this area is played by regional awareness centers, which actively participate in the creation and implementation of programs supporting the active lifestyle of older people. For example, in the Nitra Region, educational centers (in Nitra, Levice, Topoľčany) play an important role in supporting the active aging of seniors. These institutions organize diverse cultural, educational and community activities that aim to activate older residents, stimulate their interest in new knowledge and reduce the risk of social isolation. (Kosnsr.sk, 2025, Toposveta.sk, 2025, Roslevice.sk, 2025).
The Regional Education Center (KOS) in Nitra offers a wide range of activities focused on various areas of culture and education. Seniors can participate in programs in areas such as astronomy, spoken word and theater, photography and film, folklore, music, singing, dance, crafts and visual arts. In addition, KOS organizes educational events and workshops that support active spending of free time and the development of new skills among older citizens (Kosnsr.sk, 2025).
The Regional Education Center (ROS) in Levice focuses on the organization of cultural events, festivals, competitions, creative workshops and exhibitions. These activities are also accessible to seniors, who can thus actively participate in community life, develop their interests and establish new social contacts (Roslevice.sk, 2025).
The Tribeč Education Center in Topoľčany offers programs in the fields of visual arts, photography, film, theater, folklore, music and singing. In addition, it is devoted to prevention and education, thereby contributing to the promotion of active aging and reducing the social isolation of seniors (Toposveta.sk, 2025).
These educational centers in the Nitra region provide seniors with opportunities for active involvement in social life, support their personal development and contribute to their overall well-being and integration into the community.
Conclusion
Active aging represents a modern and inclusive approach to the issue of aging, which emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle, lifelong learning and social engagement of older people. Examples from practice, such as university programs for the third age or diverse activities of educational centers in the Nitra region, prove that even in senior age it is possible to live fully, actively and meaningfully. These initiatives not only contribute to the personal development and psychological well-being of individuals, but also strengthen solidarity between generations and reduce the risk of social isolation. Therefore, the support of active aging is not only a question of individual quality of life, but also an important element of the sustainable development of the entire society.
Author: Bc. Bianka Vágnerová The author is a student of the adult education and counseling study program at PF UKF in Nitra**
References
DUFFKOVÁ, J. - URBAN, L. - DUBSKÝ, J. 2018. Sociology of lifestyle. Pilsen: Vydavatelství a nakladatelství Aleš Čeněk, 2018. University textbooks. 264 p. ISBN: 978-80-7301-23-6.
GRACOVÁ, D. - SELECKÝ, E. 2017. Developmental trends in the education of seniors at universities of the third age in Europe. Publisher: Belanium, 2017. 150 p. ISBN: 978-80-557-1378-6.
HOLCEROVÁ, V. - DVOŘÁČKOVÁ, D. 2014. Leisure activities for seniors. Prague: Grada, 2014. 96 p. ISBN: 978-80-247-4697-5.
Regional awareness center Nitra. [online]. 2025. [cit. 25/04/2025]. Available online: https://www.kosnr.sk
KUPCOVÁ, V. 2014. Interest-based education of adults from the aspect of quality. Belanium. Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, Faculty of Education, 2014. 146 p. ISBN 978-80-557-0744-0.
KRYSTOŇ M. 2011. Content and procedural aspects of interest education. In: Interest education theory, methodology, practice. 2011. National educational center in cooperation with the Department of Andragogy PF UMB in Banská Bystrica, 2011. 137 p. [online]. [cit. 25/04/2025]. ISBN: 978-80-7121-336-9 Available online: http://www.nocka.sk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Z%C3%A1ujmo%C3%A9v-vzdel%C3%A1vanie.pdf
MAREŠ, J. 2014. Problems with determining the quality of life of seniors. General practitioner, [online]. [cit. 25/04/2025]. No. 1, p. 22–31. ISSN: 0032-6739 Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jiri-Mares-/publication/286160653_Problems_in_quality_of_life_assessment_in_seniors/links/5a8abce7a6fdcc6b1a42d474/Problems-in-quality-of-life-assessment-in-seniors.pdf
National program of active aging for the years 2021 – 2030. 2025. Slovak Republic [online].[cit. 25/04/2025]. Available online: https://www.employment.gov.sk/files/aac0f7596ef307ad091584c6e191c2a3
Program of active aging in Nitra for the years 2023-2030. [online]. [cit. 25/04/2025]. Available online: https://nitra.sk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Program-aktivneho-starnutia-v-Nitre-na-roky-2023-2023.pdf
Regional awareness center Levice. [online]. 2025. [cit. 25/04/2025]. Available online: https://www.roslevice.sk
ŠERÁK, M. 2009. Interest-based education of adults. Prague: Portal, 2009. 207 p. ISBN: 978-80-7367-551-6.
Tribeč awareness center Topoľčany. [online]. 2025. [cit. 25/04/2025]. Available online: http://www.toposveta.sk/
Law no. 189/2015 Coll. Act on cultural and educational activities. [online]. 2025 [cit. 25/04/2025]. Available online: https://www.slovlex.sk/static/pdf/2015/189/ZZ_2015_189_20220501.pdf
WHO. 2022. Active Aging: A Policy Framework. World Health Organization. [online]. 2025 [cit. 25/04/2025]. Available online: https://extranet.who.int/agefriendlyworld/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/WHO-Active-Ageing-Framework.pdf