Lithuania is continuing to expand non-formal adult learning opportunities for seniors through the project ‘Expansion of learning opportunities for seniors’, implemented by the Qualifications and Vocational Education and Training Development Centre.
Key learning priorities for seniors in 2026
The project ‘Mokymosi galimybių senjorams plėtra’ (Expansion of learning opportunities for seniors) has been running since September 2024. It aims to expand learning opportunities for older adults while strengthening the capacity of Third Age Universities (TAUs) and other adult education providers.
In 2026, increased attention is being given to learning activities that support seniors’ well-being, digital inclusion and active participation in society. According to the 2026 survey of seniors’ learning needs, the topics considered most relevant by participants were healthy lifestyle training and mental health-related learning activities. As a result, training has been offered in healthy nutrition, responsible medication use and physical activity.
Based on participants’ suggestions, additional learning opportunities will cover digital literacy, critical thinking, foreign languages, digital safety, and artificial intelligence. Other topics include cultural education, creativity, civic engagement, sustainable lifestyles and technology-related learning for older adults.
A third call for applications under the project was launched on 21 April 2026. Both online and in-person consultations were organised for TAUs and other adult education providers to support participation in the application process. The call aims to promote learning activities that respond to seniors' evolving learning needs and interests.
Growing participation in senior learning
According to data from May 2026, 1 150 seniors have already participated in training activities organised under the project. The training currently offered includes:
- healthy lifestyle training;
- floristry and landscaping training;
- artistic and cultural education activities;
- digital skills training focused on financial management.
These activities are being delivered under the second call for proposals and are expected to be completed by October 2026. Overall, around 2 800 seniors are expected to participate.
Expanding non-formal learning opportunities
The project aims to strengthen non-formal education opportunities for seniors through targeted funding and educational support provided by TAUs and other adult education providers.
The project runs from September 2024 to August 2029 and covers the capital, central and western regions of Lithuania.
The role of third age universities in lifelong learning
TAUs play an important role in Lithuania’s lifelong learning system. Operating across the country, they provide non-formal learning opportunities for older adults in areas such as health, culture, languages, digital skills and civic participation. Many TAU organise their activities through thematic faculties, offering lectures, seminars and community-based learning activities that support active ageing, social inclusion and lifelong learning.
Background
The project ‘Mokymosi galimybių senjorams plėtra’ (No. 10-028-P-0001) is financed by the European Union and the state budget of the Republic of Lithuania.
Read more:
- The project ‘Mokymosi galimybių senjorams plėtra’ (No. 10-028-P-0001)
- Lithuanian Association of Third Age Universities
| Please cite this news item as: ReferNet Lithuania, & Cedefop (2026, July 14). Key learning priorities expand learning opportunities for seniors. National news on VET. |