Too often, “lifelong learning” is discussed as if it only applies to mid-career workers trying to reskill. But seniors, parents, and caregivers also need — and deserve — access to ongoing education. For them, learning isn’t just about career advancement; it’s about staying connected, empowered, and resilient.
Unique Barriers for These Groups
Time poverty: Caregivers and parents often juggle multiple responsibilities.
Confidence gaps: Seniors may feel left behind in the digital age.
Financial barriers: Training is often priced for professionals, not retirees or unpaid caregivers.
Accessibility needs: Flexible schedules, childcare support, or age-friendly formats are rarely built in.
Why It Matters
For seniors: Learning digital skills combats isolation, maintains independence, and strengthens civic participation.
For parents: Access to upskilling can break cycles of underemployment and improve family stability.
For caregivers: Training in health, digital literacy, or flexible career pathways supports both them and the people they care for.
Canadian Context
Libraries and community centres: Often the only accessible, low-cost learning hubs.
Government supports: Programs exist for seniors and caregivers, but awareness and consistency vary by province.
Equity lens: Indigenous elders, newcomer parents, and rural caregivers face additional systemic barriers.
Wraparound supports: Childcare services, stipends, or accessible transportation.
Recognition of lived expertise: Parents and caregivers bring skills (organization, empathy, crisis management) that can be formally acknowledged.
Intergenerational programs: Seniors teaching youth (and vice versa) creates community benefits on both sides.
The Bigger Picture
When seniors, parents, and caregivers are excluded from learning opportunities, society misses out on the wisdom, experience, and capacity they bring. Making learning accessible to them isn’t charity — it’s an investment in stronger families, communities, and civic life.
The Question
How can Canada design lifelong learning systems that value all stages of life — and not just the years tied directly to the workforce?
Lifelong Learning for Seniors, Parents, and Caregivers
Learning Isn’t Just for the Young
Too often, “lifelong learning” is discussed as if it only applies to mid-career workers trying to reskill. But seniors, parents, and caregivers also need — and deserve — access to ongoing education. For them, learning isn’t just about career advancement; it’s about staying connected, empowered, and resilient.
Unique Barriers for These Groups
Why It Matters
Canadian Context
The Opportunities
The Bigger Picture
When seniors, parents, and caregivers are excluded from learning opportunities, society misses out on the wisdom, experience, and capacity they bring. Making learning accessible to them isn’t charity — it’s an investment in stronger families, communities, and civic life.
The Question
How can Canada design lifelong learning systems that value all stages of life — and not just the years tied directly to the workforce?