What is meant by lifelong learning in education?

Lifelong learning refers to the ongoing pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout an individual's life. It emphasizes that education does not end with formal schooling but continues as individuals engage in various learning opportunities, whether through personal interests, professional development, or informal settings. This perspective recognizes the changing nature of the world, including advancements in technology and shifts in job markets, necessitating continuous learning to adapt and remain competitive.

The other options are limited in scope. A strict educational program does not embody the flexibility and personal initiative that lifelong learning entails. Similarly, learning confined to formal schooling contexts fails to acknowledge informal learning experiences, such as self-directed study, online courses, or community education. A certification program for senior professionals only targets a specific demographic and context, rather than encapsulating the broader, all-encompassing idea of lifelong learning applicable to everyone regardless of age or career stage.