Spurred by declining enrollments, various programs are now available or being developed for the older student. Discusses the Institute for Retired Professionals, the Institute of Study for Older Adults, and a program at Fairhaven College for older adults. (Author/PG)

A university needs to put to best use the experience, wisdom, and capacities for reflective and integrative thinking that can be found among those older faculty that have been previously forced to retire. Many older academics can do a lot to fill gaps in interdisciplinary and problem-oriented research. (MLW)

The Colorado-based Academy of Independent Scholars provides a network and forum for intellectual exchange among retired faculty. The international organization assists members unaffiliated with institutions in getting grants and establishing contact between young people and senior scholars. (MSE)

Writers and artists near or in retirement need some device for keeping the creative forces alive. A project proposed by William Plater at the University of Illinois calls for a series of contemporary, or living, history courses by emeriti professors whose own contributions may have shaped their fields. (MLW)

A special program at Temple University sponsored by the Association of Retired Professionals (ARP) offers courses for retirees both to attend and to teach. Its success and stimulation are emphasized. (LBH)

Elderhostels are examined in terms of the circumstances influencing their rise, class participation, kinds of students involved, and factors making the elderhostels an irreversible program. It is suggested that future elderhostels may join national adult education programs, national issues may surface around regional courses, and courses may have…

Examines the various stages of human development (as outlined by Erik Erikson and others) with their psychological stresses of recurring crises of identity and expectation and explores some of the implications for education's best serving human needs. Focuses on early childhood, late adolescence, middle age, and old age. (JT)

Fordham's College at 60 is open only to adults who are at least 50 years old. It does not issue baccalaureates but does provide its 150 students with some of the credits and a lot of the incentive they need to earn degrees. An admission interview is usually sufficient for entry, and students attend freshman-level seminars. (LBH)

Elderhostel is a summer series for older Americans featuring the freedom and informality of the European folk school with the life-style of the youth hostel. Hostelers take up to three noncredit courses a week, taught by regular faculty from the college campus. Expected growth will make the program self-sufficient. (MLW)