Towards Sustainability: The Involvement of the Elderly in the Educational Activities of NGOs in Lithuania

Abstract

In an aging society, the promotion of lifelong learning is important for sustainability and the social inclusion of elderly people. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are actively involved in this process, accepting a significant challenge to promote the activity of elderly people through educational activities. Such activities with elderly people are special, as they include the integration and empowerment of the individual to re-adopt societal norms, to discover new opportunities for self-realization, and to respond flexibly to economic and social change. This study aims to reveal the involvement of the elderly in the educational activities of NGOs. To achieve this goal, a qualitative research method was chosen—the discussion of a focus group. In the case of the study, the group assessment and categorization methodologies were used. The analysis of the experiences of elderly people participating in NGO educational activities revealed that the motives for engaging in NGO activities are related to the needs for self-expression, communication, as well as social mobility, integration, and social adaptation to constant changes in society. To promote the involvement of elderly people, NGOs must focus on disseminating information on educational activities, promoting active aging, removing barriers to individual activity, and improving the competencies of elderly people, helping them to acquire new knowledge and skills, as well as focusing on the organization itself.