Puerto Rico House panel hears calls for a formal lifelong‑learning strategy for older adults

SAN JUAN — The House of Representatives’ Commission on Older Adults and Social Welfare held a public hearing Wednesday to consider House Resolution 373, a legislative inquiry into the availability, accessibility and effectiveness of lifelong‑learning programs in Puerto Rico.

Witnesses from AARP, Universidad Interamericana and a multisectoral alliance told lawmakers that universities already run programs aimed at older adults but that the efforts are fragmented and would benefit from a coordinated public policy and clearer pathways to credentials.

"El aprendizaje a lo largo de la vida es un componente esencial del desarrollo laboral de Puerto Rico," said José Acaron, state director affiliated with AARP, describing existing initiatives (including Avance and other continuing‑education offerings) and urging institutions to provide concrete recommendations that could inform a policy framework.

Dr. Sobeida González Raimondi, an academic testifying for the record, emphasized demographic shifts and cited a finding of "53 por 100 de merma" in the relevant employment cohort, arguing that formal study is justified to identify good practices and expand access. "Este apoyo... para que se investigue, se profundice sobre la importancia de que tengamos de manera formal este aprendizaje para toda la vida," she said.

Professor Carlos Rom of the Universidad Interamericana described two complementary program strands: retraining and credentialing for working‑age adults, and non‑credit offerings for older adults that promote social engagement, such as the university’s "Universidad Sin Grado" initiative and the Avance program. Rom noted universities can recognize life and work experience through portfolio assessments that may translate into academic credit.

Representatives and panelists focused on barriers and next steps. Panelists identified cultural and structural obstacles — including promotional messaging aimed at 18‑ to 23‑year‑olds — and recommended expanding recruitment, offering hybrid and asynchronous courses, strengthening municipal‑university partnerships, and engaging the private sector to support both outreach and financing.

Gloria, representing the Alianza Multisectorial Echar Palante, called the effort "an imperativo moral" and urged a broad, cradle‑to‑old‑age strategy that prepares Puerto Rico’s population for technological change and longer life spans. She cited comparative examples, including study visits to Singapore, and urged the commission and stakeholders to pilot multiple approaches.

On funding and access, witnesses said federal PELL eligibility is age‑neutral and that institutional aid and discreet food/assistance programs exist for students with financial need; panelists nonetheless said additional supports will be needed to widen participation among lower‑income older adults.

Lawmakers pressed for data to ground the inquiry. The commission asked witnesses to provide the studies and statistics cited; the chair agreed to a request that the commission receive that information within five days so the body can proceed with its research and drafting of recommendations.

The hearing ended with the chair thanking participants and noting that House Resolution 373 was presented by Representative Carlos Johnny Méndez Núñez at the request of ARP; the commission said it will keep working on the resolution and follow up on the materials requested.

The commission did not take a vote at the hearing. Next procedural steps include receipt of the requested materials and continued study by the commission.