Three papers discuss the needs, interests, and participation of adults in learning activities. Generally, the papers deal with influences upon the possible demand for lifelong learning in the future. In the first paper K. Patricia Cross synthesizes findings from thirty-one state and national studies concerning the patterns of participation and interests of adults in further education. She examines participation rates by subgroups and by certain demographic variables: age, race, sex, educational attainment, and region. Obstacles (situational, dispositional, and institutional barriers) to participation in organized learning activities are also discussed. In the second paper Kjell Rubenson explores participation in recurrent education (education following basic education completion or discontinuation) and the problems of the undereducated and underprivileged. He provides a paradigm of recurrent education recruitment and presents findings about motives for and impediments to recurrent education participation. Also, he points out the influences of self-evaluation and the value of member and reference groups. In closing, Rubenson discusses program possibilities in terms of curriculum, information, and finance. In the final paper James Broschart presents a conference review. He emphasizes two important areas of concern addressed at the conference: assessing learning needs and designing research to assess learning needs. In addition, he identifies various emerging lifelong learning issues. (CSS)