The Perception and Level of Preparation for Retirement in the Opinion of Respondents Participating in the BALL – Be Active Through Lifelong Learning

Abstract

Alongside with the development of social activity of older people, the process of increasing the educational activity of this group should follow. This type of activity makes it possible to not only to broaden knowledge and acquire new skills and competencies, but also to update the skills or knowledge already possessed, which specifically refers to the ability and willingness to take an active and skillful attitude to preparation for retirement. Educational activity plays also an important role in creating social bonds, and thus is crucial to a successful, active and happy life in the old age. As it turns out, the older a person is, the less likely they participate in improving / changing education. For obvious reasons, this applies primarily to formal education. Lifelong learning (especially in the age group 50+) is a key element of active aging, because it enables to develop new skills till the end of a professional career and during retirement, thus promoting social functions of seniors and their well-being. The educational achievements of adults are regarded as an indicator of knowledge and skills available in the economy. Selected results of the survey conducted within the BALL Erasmus + Project will be presented. The degree of preparation to retirement is going to be discussed in the following dimensions: the perception of retirement and attitudes towards it; degree of preparation to retirement in four main areas: finances, learning, personal development and active retirement; preferred forms of action to prepare for retirement.