Mind the gap! An exploration of the role of lifelong learning in promoting co-production and citizenship within social care for older people

• Main Authors: Trish Hafford-Letchfield, Marvin Formosa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Linköping University Electronic Press 2016-03-01
• Series: European Journal for Research on the Education and Learning of Adults
• Subjects: Older people; user participation; person-centred support; co-production; lifelong learning; educational gerontology; critical pedagogy
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.3384/rela.2000-7426.rela0154

Contemporary themes in public policy have emphasised co-productive approaches within both the access and provision of support services to older people. This paper provides a cross disciplinary exploration from its respective authors perspectives on social work and educational gerontology to examine the potential for lifelong learning and learning interventions from which co-production with those using social care services in later life might be better facilitated. Using an example from the UK, we specifically elicit how co-produced care can enhance the horizon of learning and learning research. The synthesis of ideas across these two disciplines could enrich understanding and provide essential levers for moving towards empowerment and emancipation by engaging with a more co-productive approach in social care for older people.