LIFELONG LEARNING AS A WORLDWIDE HUMAN-CENTERED TENDENCY OF MODERNITY

The article highlights the main global trends of today, demonstrating the growing role of continuing adult education as an important factor in social progress. It had been found that “the Concept of Lifelong Learning” acquires the features of a transnational character. The focus is on anthropocentrism as practical and worldview oriented, which is one of the main conditions for the modern system development of social assistance and a socially-oriented state; the main value is human, his/her development and self-realization.It has been clarified that the purpose of lifelong learning is the formation and development of personality both in periods of its physical and socio-psychological maturation, flowering and stabilization of vital forces and abilities and in periods of ageing when the task of compensating for lost strengths and opportunities. European and world experience of formation and development of the education system during life is considered. The main objectives, advantages and problematic aspects of such education in Ukraine have been identified.The domestic and foreign practice of “Universities of the Third Age” has been analysed. The main tasks of these institutions are clarified: creating conditions and promoting the comprehensive development of the elderly; their reintegration into the active life of society; assisting the elderly in adapting to modern living conditions by acquiring new knowledge; acquisition of self-help skills; formation of the principles of a healthy lifestyle; development of skills in the use of the latest technologies, primarily information and communication; potential and opportunities for volunteer work; improving the quality of life of the elderly by ensuring access to modern technologies and adaptation to technological change; opportunity to expand the circle of communication and exchange of experiences. Keywords: continuing education; lifelong learning; global trends; anthropocentrism; adults; education; foreign experience; national interests; creative and innovative potential; social and cultural progress.