Family and relatives influence the quality of life and lifelong learning of the elderly

In the global society of developed countries, the population is increasingly ageing. This fact presents one of the biggest economic and social challenges of the future. According to projections, 30 % of the population in Slovenia will be older than 65 years by 2060; therefore, a justified question arises of how to prepare the elderly for quality life in the Third and Fourth Age and how to improve their lifestyle during their residence at home and possibly later in a home for the elderly which also affects their participation in the lifelong learning activities. It is the lifelong learning that can help elderly people in both ages to focus on the quality of their life and possible change of its style which means that they can focus their lives, needs and desires to activities which keep them healthy, make them happy and satisfied while remaining closely connected as active members of society and give their own contribution to the knowledge society by their knowledge and skills. Thereby, family has an important role which is presented in this paper