Nine years ago, the American Association of Retired Persons officially shortened its name to its abbreviation, AARP. One big reason was that so many of its older members balked at the notion of a "retirement" that connoted time spent only on leisure activities, when so many of them were continuing to work longer--in the same career or in a new…

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)

Current research shows that, while fluid intelligence may decline with age, crystallized intelligence continues to rise over the life span. Key factors in maintaining mental capabilities include staying socially involved, being mentally active, and being flexible. (SK)

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…

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)

The diversity of older learners demands diverse educational opportunities provided by such community-based organizations as community centers, senior centers, area agencies on aging, public libraries, and churches. (SK)

Universities of the Third Age are developing the research facet of their mission. In this model, the senior citizen is both the object and the agent of research, being involved in action research that transforms their subjective impressions and intuitions into objective knowledge with which to transform their environment. (Author/SK)

Rather than ignore older adults' wealth of talents and skills, society must recognize their lifetimes of experience and create new vehicles for senior participation in all aspects of life. (JOW)

Extension is in a position to help the elderly create new roles and options for their lives and develop their potential as resources for society. (Author/SK)

Gender equity is an issue for males and females, for persons of all colors and all ages. Home economists' knowledge and skills in the areas of work and family provide them with a unique opportunity to deal with the issue. (JOW)

Those who are most satisfied with retirement are those who make progressive choices about the course of their lives. Many older adults may not realize that they have this choice and consciousness-raising may be the first order of the adult educator. (JOW)

Shin-ichi Suzuki, founder of the Talent Education Movement and creator of the Sukuzi Method of musical training, responds to a variety of questions concerning his philosophy of life and lifelong education. (DMM)

Hearing loss, vision loss, and other physical impairments which are natural parts of the aging process can be compensated for in planning learning for older adults. Such impairments should not be taken as restrictions on the older adult's ability or desire to learn. (SK)

The concept of elders as both teachers and learners needs to replace the image of elders as intrinsically wise or as necessarily dependent or burdensome. (SK)

Reviews the origins of grandparent education with a free course offered at senior centers and churches in Phoenix, Arizona. Describes elements of a national grandparent curriculum, which includes two courses: "Becoming a Better Grandparent" and "Achieving Grandparent Potential." Notes the curriculum's adoption in nations…