A profile of 452 older adults enrolled in Learning-in-Retirement institutes showed they had relatively high economic status and extensive educational background. They were motivated by self-actualization, perceived cognitive gaps, intellectual curiosity, and social contact. An intellectually stimulating curriculum is a pivotal factor in predicting…

A study of 101 alumni of the Leadership Ashville Seniors program shows that middle class, well-educated retirees who had been professionals/managers want volunteer, leadership, and learning opportunities. Higher education can help develop roles that counter commonly believed age stereotypes. (SK)

Asserts that older adults can profit from teaching techniques that address their unique abilities and needs, and that the learning performance of older adults can be improved by helping them to organize better the material to be learned. Presents practical suggestions on how advance organizers can be used to facilitate learning among older adults.…

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)

Learning in Later Life, a program for older adults, focuses on research into learner needs and interests, responsiveness to research findings, and relationships with other organizations. Such noncredit programs can bring together organizations concerned with the needs of older adults. (SK)

Definitions of lifelong learning barely mention the Third Age (over age 65). Interviews with University of the Third Age participants in Sydney, Australia, reveal perspectives on life and learning that should be incorporated into programs that are age integrated and prepare people at all life stages to be custodians of the past and trustees of the…

Outlines development of the university-based Encore program of lifelong enrichment for older adults who pay an annual membership fee for participation in activities related to environmental literacy, state/national/international issues, arts and sciences, personal development, and health and fitness. An administrative champion and volunteers are…

Universities of the Third Age (U3As) are in many countries; most follow either the French model of close association with traditional university systems or the British model of "self-help" institutions. Communication between U3As within nations and across nations is limited, and an influential coordinating body is needed. (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…

Describes the Older Adults Network of the International Council for Adult Education and its efforts to identify educational needs common to older adults worldwide. Offers brief descriptions of 12 exemplary programs funded by the network, which focus on such concerns as literacy, retirement, social action, vocational training, and cultural…

In Britain, a project to map learning opportunities for older adults is being conducted by older adults themselves, giving them ownership, creating local and more inclusive definitions of learning, and inspiring self-confidence. (SK)

Structured interviews with 11 older rural residents who participated in university outreach courses indicated high satisfaction, in contrast to earlier studies indicating lack of interest among this population. Identifying interests at grass-roots level and encouraging local ownership of outreach programs are success strategies for rural…

This paper reports on a 2004 follow-up study conducted in partnership with the University of Manitoba Continuing Education Division and local senior's organizations. The partnership was formed in 2002-03 to promote applied research on lifelong learning and older adults, develop new and complement existing educational activities, and explore new…

The literature was studied to investigate some of the significant factors that affect participation of the non-institutionalized older person in lifelong learning programs. Sources were fairly recent (1975-80) abstracts, journals, textbooks, ERIC documents, and SCAN (The Social Gerontology Resource Center). The age-span under consideration was age…