The purpose of this study is to examine the interest of elderly learning
circles in aging society in terms of social space suggested by G. Simmel. For
the examination, this study has conducted interviews from a learning circle in
the D senior welfare center. It especially studies elderly learning circles in
accordance of features of the learning community which forms solidarity and
kinship as social interaction. Social space presented by G. Simme is classified
focusing boundaries of individual interaction away from geographical space.
Within these boundaries, development of personality and interaction of true
identities are achieved.
The results of this study are as follows. Old learners participating in
learning circles where social interaction occurs fill empty spaces forming
natural rules as well as creative and practical performances. They also develop
solidarity pushing and pulling each other while they participate in learning
circles which are gained as they grow old. Futhermore, they participate in
learning circles with pleasure. Learning circles for old people are meaningful
as intimacy of social interaction when approached from lifelong education
standpoint, therefore it is advisable to invigorate and support elderly learning
circles. Also, this study sheds new light on the meaning about leaning circles.