This paper draws on several East Asian papers, including several comparative papers, to give background on some of the influences that bear on learning in older life in these countries. In particular, several of the papers comment on the importance of traditional philosophies, such as Confucianism, that influence learning by seniors and the position of seniors in these societies. In addition I have attached a list of number of comparative studies, mostly involving East Asian countries, that are held in the Library of the Institute for Lifelong Learning in Hamburg. Some UIL papers can be accessed online.

Refugee Week focussed attention on the issues people who have been forced to leave their homes face in a new country, new research identified the economic and social consequences of dropping out of school and rural mental health initiatives incorporating community education were all in the news this week.