The role of the Committee, supporting the group convenors and resources of the Universities of the Third Age in the UK

Abstract

In this article, the organizational principles of the Universities of the Third Age in the UK are presented. The role of the Committee, supervisors and coordinators of this educational project for the people of the third age is defined. The influence of governance on the educational process at the University of the Third Age is determined. We also studied the main educational resources of these Universities which meet the needs and interests of the elder people for implementation the concept of their comprehensive self-realization. The worth ageing of the seniors should be supported by suitable environment for their successful self-fulfilment. Wellbeing of the people in the third age is followed by their self-satisfaction due to motivation for new achievements by finding the meaning of life, its goals and objectives. Social significance, importance and irreplaceability of the elderly help them to feel pleased with life and contribute much to their self-realization. Today, the seniors’ active social life is limited, but it is very important for development of the elderlies’ potential. The implementation of constructive strategies of aging in society could prevent it. The elderly people have many interests; they fully recognise the significance of human values. Also, the seniors positively perceive life, everything and everyone around. In the developed countries those seniors who study at Universities of the Third Age achieve full self-realization even after retirement. An elderly person is more socially active due to studying at these universities. The life quality of the elderly increases and they find their lost status in society there. Key words: the United Kingdom, people of the third age, supervisor, coordinator, University of the Third Age, organization of educational process at the University of the Third Age, educational resources of the University of the Third Age, self-realization of people in the third age.

У статті розкрито організаційні засади діяльності Університетів третього віку у Великій Британії. Схарактеризовано роль і місце Комітету, наукових керівників та координаторів в організації проектів навчання людей третього віку. Визначено роль самоврядування в організації навчального процесу в Університетах третього віку. Здійснено аналіз основних ресурсів навчання в Університетах третього віку та їх відповідність потребам та інтересам літніх людей щодо реалізації концепції їхньої повноцінної самореалізації. Ключові слова: Велика Британія, люди третього віку, організація навчального процесу в Університетах третього віку, самореалізація людей третього віку.