Preparing for old age in a geragogic approach.The conceptual assumptions for gerontological education of people aged 50+ “Towards a dignified and successful old age”

Objectives The aim of this paper is to present a concept of gerontological education for people aged 50+ “Towards a dignified and successful old age” as part of the preparation for old age in a geragogic approach. Material and methods This paper presents a concept for gerontological education of people aged 50+ “Towards a dignified and successful old age” from the geragogic perspective. Geragogists stress that it is important in the age interval under analysis for an individual to take up or to intensify activities preparing them for old age, which such an individual should perceive as a life task. This concept is based theoretically on a holistic model of health, and it also refers to the concept of successful and positive ageing, the theory of education for old age and the theory of psychosocial development. Results Old age as a phase of human life is regarded in geragogy as a task of an individual. Geragogists stress that the quality of life in old age is a consequence of the quality of life in previous phases of one’s life. They assume that lifelong education favours successful ageing and dignified and successful old age. They propose that preparation for old age should start during earlier phases of life and during old age. Conclusions From the geragogic perspective, people aged 50+ should take up or intensify their actions to prepare them for old age. It is important to carry out diverse actions in the physical, mental, social, spiritual and sexual spheres. Gerontological education for people aged 50+ as a form of preparation for old age should be part of lifelong learning because possessing knowledge and skills in this regard contributes to a better quality of life and well-being in medium and late adulthood.