A framework to support educational gerontology based on agile culture

Older adults have unique learning needs that require distinct approaches, particularly in non-formal education settings, which are flexible, systematic, and less bureaucratic. Seeking methods to support these needs, this study explores agile culture—a people-centered, adaptable approach originally from software development that emphasizes collaboration, communication, and gradual planning without rigid rules. The objective is to present Agil-Idade, a non-formal education framework based on agile culture, aimed at supporting older adult education in a way that promotes lifelong learning and meaningful engagement. Agil-Idade was developed through bibliographic research, co-design, and literature mapping, then evaluated in a 14-week exploratory study with six participants aged 60 to 83. Data collection included questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, analyzed using a mixed approach that combined content analysis with descriptive statistics. The study employed both manual coding and qualitative analysis tools (ChatGPT and ATLAS.ti) to establish comprehensive categories, with a Likert scale used for self-assessment in areas such as collaboration, satisfaction, experience sharing, engagement, and communication. Results indicate that Agil-Idade effectively enhanced collaboration and communication, fostering greater satisfaction, engagement, and personal appreciation among participants. These findings suggest that agile culture holds potential for advancing educational practices with older adults, contributing to the literature on non-formal education and supporting personal and social development within this demographic.