In this article, the author takes a multidimensional and personal look at creative writing work in an assisted living facility. The people she works with at the facility have memory loss. She shares her experience working with these people and describes a storytelling workshop that was modeled after Timeslips, a program started by Anne Basting at…

Central tenets of Freirean philosophy and pedagogy are explored and applied to the emerging field of older adults' learning (educational gerontology), a sub-field of adult education. I argue that many of Freire's concepts and principles have direct applicability to the tasks of adult educators working alongside marginalized older adults. In…

From one person's experience as an adult law student, the authors draw implications for the practice of adult education. (JOW)

Using memories is a feasible way to work with older adults. Through an interactive reminiscence process, older people often come to terms with "unfinished business" and untapped strengths. The process is important for adult education practitioners who can enrich their understanding of lifeways and inner worlds of diverse populations in their…

Due to demographic changes, businesses will become increasingly reliant on the skills and capabilities of older workers. Companies can no longer afford to use economic arguments against employing older workers. (SK)

Creativity is universal and not limited by age. Creative acts help in understanding the meaning of life and aging; they contribute to well-being and life satisfaction. Programs such as Elderhostel and California's Creative Aging Workshops nurture creativity in older adults. (SK)

The population is aging. Older persons will be the students of tomorrow. The diversity of their skills, interests, and needs will challenge educators not only to provide opportunities for growth but to provide the practical education necessary to ensure self-sufficiency in our complex world. (Author)

Rather than Tyler-style transmission models, process or transaction models are more appropriate for teaching older adults. Whereas Tyler models focus on achieving rigidly defined objectives, process models view education as activities worthwhile in themselves. (SK)

Ebb and flow of creativity in later life has many explanations: for some, it is second nature; others remain open to new experiences. Decline of sensory and cognitive functions may impair continued creative expression. Some may have already completed their creative agendas. In others, creativity may manifest itself in subtle, unexpected ways that…

Gerontology emerged as a discipline in America in the 1940s and 1950s. Since the 1950s, it has developed much more slowly in Britain. The study of gerontology generally aims to improve the knowledge base about the aged and the aging process in order to provide better qualified personnel and develop a more efficient delivery system to serve the…

Gerontological research started in Finland comparatively late. These research efforts have been limited in scope in the past. Theory building was scarce, as well as multidisciplinary efforts to investigate concommitantly different levels of aging. (SSH)

Provides guidelines to assist the continuing educator in understanding and working with older adults. The guidelines follow the development of a probable learning session: (1) gaining attention and developing expectations, (2) reviewing relevant information, (3) presenting new information, (4) feedback, and (5) transforming information to life…

Discusses the need for, philosophy, and strategies of instructional gerontology and its application to the education of older adults. (SK)

Distance learning has the capacity to make a significant impact on gerontological education. Possibilities range from the education of professionals to the teaching of gerontology to the education of caregivers of today's aging population. (JOW)

Although older people are increasing in proportion to the total population, educational gerontology is in its infancy and needs additional funding, research, and dissemination to assist older learners with lifelong learning, reemployment, and advocacy. (SK)