The aim of this survey is to identify learning processes in the everyday lives of older people and their interrelationships with competence developments. The essential question is, from which everyday conditions do learning processes emerge and how are they stimulated? Under which conditions does successful learning occur and thus the acquisition of competences for a satisfactory organisation of life in old age. This is not only about personal well-being, but also about social integration. The main focus will be on informal learning processes. Initially, learning ideas and learning needs of older people, expectations and strategies will be described. The focus should not only be on current life situations, but also - at least retrospectively - on educational biographies and school experiences. Previous studies on informal learning refer little or not at all to the learning processes of older people. The aim of this survey is to gain more reliable knowledge about learning in everyday life in old age. Since educational institutions only cover a part of learning in old age, the study focuses on the learning processes of older people in the course of their activities and their social contexts in everyday life. The central thesis of the study is that the social environment of older people can be a learning environment, offering a variety of learning opportunities. However, whether the social environment is also designed as a learning environment, whether learning opportunities are sought, perceived and realised, depends on various factors. It depends on the structuring, stimulation and support of the social environment and on the competence and motivation of the individual.

Probability: Simple random

Telephone interview: CATI