Abstract
This paper creates theoretical links between aging, adult learning and consumerism through an exploration of the contemporary cultural discourse of “positive aging.” Through the lens of adult education, we examine the pedagogical implication of positive aging as both a process of learning and consumption. This consumerist approach to aging is driven by modern gerontology, which reconstructs aging on the basis of individual abilities needs and functions. As a result, the culture of positive aging raises many questions for adult educators, particularly those who are interested in informal learning.
Keywords
consumerism, aging, adult education
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Recommended Citation
Norris, T.,
&
Silver, T.
(2011).
“Positive Aging” as Consumer Pedagogy: Towards a theoretical linking of adult learning, aging and consumerism.
Adult Education Research Conference.
https://newprairiepress.org/aerc/2011/papers/75
“Positive Aging” as Consumer Pedagogy: Towards a theoretical linking of adult learning, aging and consumerism
This paper creates theoretical links between aging, adult learning and consumerism through an exploration of the contemporary cultural discourse of “positive aging.” Through the lens of adult education, we examine the pedagogical implication of positive aging as both a process of learning and consumption. This consumerist approach to aging is driven by modern gerontology, which reconstructs aging on the basis of individual abilities needs and functions. As a result, the culture of positive aging raises many questions for adult educators, particularly those who are interested in informal learning.
