Transformacja starszych kobiet pod wpływem oddziaływań edukacyjnych uniwersytetu trzeciego wieku - studium przypadku

In the face of progressing ageing of the society, activation of older people and implementation of the lifelong learning idea is of a special importance. Among a number educational offers, a significant role is played by the universities of the third age (UTA), which activate seniors and help them socialize, thus improving the quality of their life in old age. This article presents the results of a qualitative study on the transformation of self-perception of older women and their functioning under the influence of educational activity at the university of the third age. The goal of the study was to identify the process of changes in self-perception and perception of one's old age under the influence of activity related to the participation in the UTA. The studies employed case study with in-depth interview (IDI). The results are presented from two points of view - one of an expert - Dean and lecturer at the UTA over the course of two years, and one of older women participating in UTA classes. The analyses show that the participation of female seniors in this form of education influenced on changes in both the perception of the process of one's ageing and the way of functioning, and also significantly improved the quality of their life in various aspects. Increased participation of seniors in various forms of education, as well as development of an educational offer meeting the needs and capabilities of senior males are challenges for further activities in the area of geragogy.