Abstract:

The development of demographic processes in Bulgaria after 1990 reflects in an intensive and deepening process of aging of the Bulgarian population, as a result of which the number and relative share of people over 65 years of age shows a trend of steady increase. It is expected that this process will intensify in the medium and long term, as a result of which this age group will become redominant in the general structure of the population. Both the current demographic situation and the projected negative trends for its future change in the direction of serious aging of the Bulgarian population determine the growing importance of policies aimed at older people.

These realities require the relevance of the measures to stimulate and continue the participation of older people in the labor market and the implementation of strategies and policies for active aging. The implementation of these policies and measures largely depends on the educational and vocational training of the working age population, which determines their opportunities for real employment in the economic and social spheres.

The report examines the development of adult education in terms of its importance in limiting the negative impact of the intensive aging of the Bulgarian population on the labor market and as an opportunity for more active economic and social inclusion of older people. The opportunities for more active participation of the elderly in formal and non-formal education and training aimed at acquiring skills and competencies for work in the field of social services are indicated.In this regard, social work training in universities preparing future social workers can be presented and analyzed as a possible direction for the development of adult education and an important element of the policy for their social inclusion.

Keywords:

Adult education, demographic processes, social work education, social inclusion.