Partnership in Adult Education 3AC Active Ageing Academic Certificate: Towards a European university course dedicated to older learners

Active and healthy ageing is a societal challenge shared by all European countries, but is also an opportunity. It is a chance for Europe to establish itself as a global leader that is capable of providing innovative solutions.

The 4 EU universities and their associatied partners involved in the "Active Ageing Academic Certificate" (3AC) are proposing their contribution for meeting this challenge. Most older peopole who are still in their healthy years fall outside the scope of social structures such that their "successful ageing" is related to their own ability to take care of themselves. Helping them to reinforce their skills is a challenge and a priority. A research-based course for older learners is thus and interesting solution, whose relevance is enhanced by the fact that the university context fits the level of studies reached by many young senior nowadays, and it avoids the pitfalls of infantilization

The main objectives of 3AC are to:

• Increase participants' knowledge of the ageing-process.
• Improve self-management by older people.
• Help participants preserve their active role in society by allowing them to complete a programme in an intergenerational context.