Given the possibility of internalised ageism, the assumption that a learning programme such as 3AC would be adapted to and accepted by the target audience had little a priori support. The 3AC project was therefore designed as a first step towards consolidating this training programme, in terms of both content and methods, based on the opinions of potential or actual learners in a co-construction approach. The fact that the project was part of a European framework gave it sufficient weight for the conclusions to go beyond a local configuration. The transnational cooperation between the four European universities and their associated partners from civil society was also expected to enrich 3AC by facilitating the exchange of knowledge and skills concerning the older public in the framework of this research-action. The academic and administrative staff of the four HEIs were expected to share the ecosystem of the project, e.g., the institutions themselves will have to adjust to their new learners and to the new teaching/learning approach brought in by the project.
The ageing of the population is an international issue and a challenge for a more inclusive society. Keeping active helps older people to improve their quality of life and their mental and physical well-being. Their civic engagement (volunteering, political participation) or other forms of care to others also have significant economic value. Later-life learning is known to contribute to healthy ageing. However, even though the level of education of older people is increasing, universities and other HEIs are not yet meeting the expectations of European public policy with regard to catering for this age group. Furthermore, the subject of ageing is rarely introduced into later-life learning, even though it could contribute to primary prevention, before the onset of activity limitations, or even to secondary prevention when the first limitations are detected. There is no doubt that universities, through their implication in research on ageing, are in a position to guarantee the quality of such type of learning. The aim of the Erasmus+ project "Active Ageing Academic Certificate" (3AC) was to initiate the development of such an academic programme for older learners.