The aim of paper is describe as idea lifelong learning was developed. We can observed of development of adult education from XIX century. Nowadays meaning of learning is important than in past and should be continued by all life of man. Therefore, in paper will be shown development idea from adult education where the most important was formal education to modern concept: lifelong learning. There will be shown history of universities of Grundtvig and influence this form of education to continuing education. There will be describe reasons of changes in adult education. The idea of lifelong learning and its meaning in modern society will be shown.