East-West perspectives on elder learning

This paper describes and conceptualizes the meaning of lifelong learning from two cultural perspectives—East and West. It examines the different principles underpinning lifelong learning that explain why and how elders in the two cultures engage differently in continued learning. Finally, it discusses the cultural impact on elder learning by examining the reasons, choices and processes used by elders in the two different cultural contexts as they conceptualize, experience, and negotiate ongoing lifelong learning. Copyright © 2012 Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business.