Using Learning to Meet the Challenges of Older Adulthood

Book excerpt: Significant changes in the national demography bring us to a turning point in our understanding of older adults, in the challenges they are likely to face, and in the contribution learning may make to their later years. This sourcebook views learning as a response to the various challenges confronting older adults and describes that learning within the context of present practice and future challenges. Combining theory and research in educational gerontology with the practice of older adult learning and education, this volume explores issues and policies related to older adult education in academic and community settings. It is designed for educators and others concerned with the phenomenon of aging in America and with the continuing development of the field of educational gerontology. This is the 77th volume of the quarterly journal New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education.