Abstract

“Lifelong learning” refers to the ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge throughout one's life. It is an attitude and a habit of continuously seeking to acquire new skills, insights, and information. Lifelong learning extends beyond formal education and encompasses various avenues such as self-directed study, online courses, workshops, seminars, reading, and practical experiences. Here are some key aspects and benefits of lifelong learning:

• Adaptability: In a rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt to new technologies, industries, and societal changes is crucial. Lifelong learning helps individuals stay relevant and adaptable in their personal and professional lives. • Personal Growth: Lifelong learning contributes to personal development, broadening perspectives, and enhancing critical thinking skills. It fosters intellectual curiosity and a sense of fulfillment.

• Career Development: Continuous learning is essential for career advancement. It allows individuals to acquire new skills, stay updated with industry trends, and remain competitive in the job market.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Learning new concepts and tackling challenges can improve problem-solving abilities. Lifelong learners tend to approach problems with a more open and creative mindset.

• Health Benefits: Engaging in intellectually stimulating activities has been linked to cognitive health and a lower risk of cognitive decline as individuals age.

• Networking and Community Building: Lifelong learning often involves connecting with like-minded individuals, either in person or through online communities. This networking can lead to valuable collaborations, mentorship, and support.

• Increased Confidence: Mastering new skills and gaining knowledge boosts selfconfidence. Lifelong learners are more likely to embrace challenges and take on new opportunities with a positive mindset.

• Personal Satisfaction: The pursuit of knowledge for its own sake can bring a sense of fulfillment and joy. Lifelong learners often find satisfaction in the process of learning itself, independent of any external rewards.With the advent of online learning platforms, educational resources, and the availability of information through the internet, lifelong learning has become more accessible than ever. It empowers individuals to take control of their learning journey and shape their own paths of growth and development throughout their lives. Self-directed education that is centred on personal growth is called lifelong learning. Although there isn't a single, agreed-upon definition of lifelong learning, it is typically understood to mean learning that takes place outside of a conventional educational setting like a school, university, or corporate training. Traditionally, lifelong learning is defined as “all learning activity undertaken throughout life, with the aim of improving knowledge, skills, and competencies within a personal, civic, social and/or employment-related perspective” (European Commission [EC], 2001, p. 9) [1] (Fig. 1). Jarvis [3] provided a more detailed description, “The combination of processes throughout a lifetime whereby the whole person - body (genetic, physical and biological) and mind (knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, emotions, beliefs and senses)—experiences social situations, the perceived content of which is then transformed cognitively, emotively or practically (or through any combination) and integrated into the individual person’s biography resulting in a continually changing (or more experienced) person” [1].However, lifelong learning does not need to be limited to unstructured learning. It is best described as voluntary and intended to bring about personal fulfilment. This could be accomplished through informal or formal instruction (Fig. 1). Lifelong learning can assist us in achieving personal fulfilment and pleasure, whether we are following personal interests and hobbies or professional goals [2, 3].

By focusing on the concepts and goals that drive us, we are motivated to enhance our own quality of life and sense of worth. It recognises that people have an inherent urge to discover, gain information, and develop. Various projects for lifelong learning that you can take part in include [2]:

• Self-taught research (e.g., learning a new language, researching a topic of interest, subscribing to a podcast, etc).

• Discovering a new sport or hobby (e.g., Joining martial arts, learning to ski, learning to exercise, etc).

• Acquiring knowledge of new technology (smart devices, new software applications, etc.).

• Gaining fresh information (taking a self-interest course via online education or classroom-based course) [4].