Lifelong learning
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 131 No 1, 20 February 2026, page no 21.
In many of the documents created in the course of one’s educational working life, one term sticks in the memory more than others. That term is “lifelong learning”.
For teacher’s, it is the process of constant learning and development that incorporates continuous professional development, in which we all need to engage in a time of rapid change.
But for those who have left school, it is the idea that learning can and does occur beyond the formal structure of an educational institution and throughout one’s lifetime. That is to say, lifelong learning is ongoing learning in formal and informal ways, cradle to grave learning and knowledge building.
Lifelong learning was brought to my attention when my granddaughter asked me to go to school and tell her class what it was like when I was in Year 1.
After the discussion, it made me think of all the changes that seniors have had to keep abreast of over the years to be able to live satisfactorily in today’s society. Most of us can use the ATM, the internet, online shopping, and TV without too much of a worry, but what happens when one of our latest electrical gadgets refuses to function? I’m sure you have called for the aid of the grandchildren.
While our lifelong learning continues in many different forms as we endeavour to catch up with all the areas of interest that we now have time to engage in, we ask ourselves what lifelong learning our grandchildren will need to pursue to keep up with technology and survive in society, and will this learning come at the expense of social and physical activities?
While our continued learning is very important to us as seniors, so are our social interactions. Physical activity is important, but mental activity is also important. The QRTA organises monthly activities to help members stay social while learning something new.
Starting off this year is a speaker from the Brisbane City Council, who will give us more information about the 2032 Olympic Games, what to expect, and how to become a volunteer.