A Study about an educational experience with older women in social centers. Implications for learning throughout life

Abstract

For years, there has been empirical evidence of program benefits of educational programs for older people; however, today there are few studies differentials on the dynamics of this phenomenon from the perspective of gender, despite evidence that women participate in greater numbers than men in those programs. This paper explores the characteristics of the educational experience with older women in the field of non-formal education, with the aim of knowing the implications of this for learning throughout life, as well as to improve quality of life of participants. For this purpose it has the opinión of the protagonists, through the project “Living Your Age Woman” developed at social centers in the Region of Murcia, implemented with the view of the professionals who work with this collective. Has been used a qualitative methodology, analyzing reality through semi-structured interviews and in depth. Among the results highlight that older women are demanding socio-educational spaces to move towards a proactive education, different to the inequity situation of the traditional education system. It is also important to note that, during their participation significantly emerge dialogic, expressive, relational and emotional aspects; thus, older women acquire support strategies for relational, family and personal environment. Meanwhile, professionals state that the implemented educational and cultural programs for older women, must start from the needs of the elderly themselves, conducted with activities that have meaning and sense to them. Therefore, it advocates a respectful educational model, according to the particular idiosyncrasies of older women.