Growing into Greatness - A Study of a Local History Group of Active-Retired Learners - Local History Group

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Đào

The text examines how rapid social and structural change in Ireland affects older adults’ status, participation, and sense of belonging. It argues that increased globalisation, ICT development, and shifting family structures contribute to loneliness and social exclusion, reinforced by media invisibility centered on youth. It then reviews research and adult education literature on learning needs, active ageing, and citizenship, culminating in a local history group as a practical model of social integration through participatory learning experiences.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Social Change

Media invisibility and older adults’ marginalisation

Learning Needs of Older People

Access to learning and active ageing

Learning for Citizenship

Adult education methodologies and citizenship development

A Local History Group

Project plan, funding, and participatory learning

Growing into Greatness A Study of a Local History Group of Active-Retired Learners Local History Group Social Change Rapid and profound social and structural changes are being experienced in Ireland, as well as in many advanced western societies. Some of these changes include the increasing globalisation of the economy, rapid developments in Information Communications Technology and also changes in family and social structures. Gone are the extended families of a previous generation. Gone are the voluntary carers of older people in their homes and the doers of many voluntary tasks in the community. This has resulted in many older people leading lonely lives, closeted in their homes and lacking the conﬁdence and courage to take the necessary measures to fully participate in society. Any consideration of the role of themediain Ireland demonstrates the invisibility of older people due to the great emphasis on youth. How often, if ever, do we see pictures of older people in advertisements? When they do appear, itistopromote medications, mobility aids or retirement homes. Is it any wonder then that older people feel pushed to the edge of society, their contribution and sacriﬁces over the years unacknowledged and no account taken of the vast store of wisdom and skills that they possess? Such treatment by society causes older people to turn inward on themselves, thereby increasing their further marginalisation from mainstream society, arising from their loss of status associated with no longer being economically productive. While our country is now very prosperous there still exist many serious economic and social divisions. According toAONTAS,“The existence of such divisions is incompatible with active and equal citizenship. The cohesion of society and consequently its stability are at risk if people are unable to participate in the eco- nomicand social development of that society”(AONTAS, 2000, p.11). Learning Needs of Older People Research in Canada on the learning needs of older people looked at such issues ashow to cope with changes in society, the need to make a contribution and the need to be inﬂuential (Leclerc, 1985). The White Paper on Adult Education (2000) Learning for Life notes that strategies for active ageing stress the critical importance of access to learning as a key tool in coping with change. Adult education can play an important role in contributing to active ageing by promoting social integration and enhancing the quality of life. By reason of the profound changes in Irish society in recent years, older people increasingly ﬁnd themselves socially excluded from leading full lives as citizens of their country. Learning for Citizenship Inan article entitled Learningfor Citizenship in Ireland: The Role of Adult Education, Keogh,(2002) notes that,“A key question for adult educators is: Within the range of adult models and locations, which adult education methodologies and topic/subject areas contribute to the development of citizenship?” Various opinions exist in regard to this question. Some contend that anything taught to adults can be seen as a form of citizenship education while others maintain that a liberal education approach which includes literature, history, geography and/orthe social sciences is critical to the development of citizenship knowledge, skills and dispositions. However, many claim that the most beneﬁcial learning will take place not through the formal curriculum, but through positive experiences of participation and, therefore, the adult education experience should itself be “an experience of participation, with a view towards enabling learners to develop the skills, insightsand conﬁdence to make their own voice heard and take a full and active role as citizens in society”(Crowther, 2001, pp. 69-70). Keogh (2002) further maintains that the traditional view of education in meritocratic terms with qualiﬁcations as the goal, rather than critical capacities and skills of cit

FAQs

How does social change in Ireland affect older people’s participation in society?

Rapid economic, technological, and family-structure changes weaken traditional support systems and can leave older people lonely and less confident to participate fully. The resulting loss of status linked to no longer being economically productive increases marginalisation.

Why is learning important for active ageing and citizenship, according to the text?

Strategies for active ageing emphasize access to learning as a key tool for coping with change. Adult education supports social integration and improves quality of life, while citizenship-focused learning develops skills, insights, and confidence to make one’s voice heard.

What role does the Local History Group play in addressing the issues discussed?

The group serves as a practical project that helps counter exclusion by combining study of local history with social interaction, enjoyment, and regular participation. Through these positive experiences, members gain engagement and opportunities to contribute as citizens.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Đào