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This chapter explores the inter-connections between older adults, social inequalities and higher education in Aotearoa/New Zealand. In order to appreciate the significance of context, the broader socio-cultural environment of this bi-cultural country, Aotearoa/New Zealand, is explained. Circumstances are examined through which older people conduct their lives exposing serious cleavages in resource allocation, particularly in educational opportunities. Sub-themes of lifelong learning – the economic imperative, personal fulfilment, active citizenship and social inclusion – are investigated and how they relate to the conditions of older people is explored, emphasizing how efforts at social inclusion of seniors help to ameliorate some aspects of social inequalities. The priorities of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), the main funding body for tertiary and higher education, are viewed from the perspective of older people, defined here as people aged 65 years and older. The position of universities is explored and their attempts, albeit lacking co-ordination, to meaningfully engage with older adults and particularly those most oppressed by social inequalities, are observed. Finally, in a spirit of optimism, three ways forward are identified that may engender more proactive engagement of universities with seniors. |
