Abstract:

The project “Trad'Inovações” is for Adults over 50 years and is part of the IPL program 60 developed by the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria (IPL). It falls into a logic of active aging, once affixed to the building of learning opportunities throughout life, enabling older, learning to participate and interact on different topics.

This project is to be relevant in the context of Adult Education, as a response to educational and social problems some of which are felt: aging population, increasing the average life expectancy, the increase in free time.

Investigations have shown that the implementation of education at this age is crucial for the development and strengthening of mental and psychological capabilities of senior citizens.

The project “Trad’Inovações” main objectives is to occupy the leisure of senior citizens so helpful and educational, with the traditional Portuguese culture, through information technology and communication and innovative situations.

The project is characterized by its flexibility, since the sessions are planned from the tastes, motives, interests and life histories of the participants. In this environment seniors take an active role intellectually, acquiring and developing skills and knowledge in interaction with others, through the use of information technology and communication.

The sessions start from a not-formal educational modality, enhancing the experience and the principles of adult education in order to provide a more meaningful learning the public involved.

Keywords:

Third age, not formal education, information technology and communication, experience, learning.