Elderlearning

Book excerpt: Faced with the possibility of a significantly extended lifespan, many Americans can expect to enjoy continued growth and development well past the traditional age of retirement. Elderlearning examines the important role of learning in maintaining the health, quality of life, and longevity of older adults, and in providing opportunities for them to take on new roles in society. This book includes the results of the first comprehensive survey on the topic of adult learning in men and women over the age of 55. The authors provide key data on the sources, topics, and extent of the current learning activities of older adults, as well as on their preferred learning modes. Adult learning is viewed from the perspective of providers of learning services, as well as from the viewpoint of individual learners. This information is based on extensive interviews with elderlearners and with learning services providers across the country. The authors also discuss the policy implications of the elderlearning phenomenon at the federal, state, and institutional levels. They conclude the book with a recommended eight-point agenda for improving service to this rapidly growing segment of the population. Elderlearning will be a valuable aid to anyone involved in developing - or teaching - programs designed to meet the needs of older adults, as well as to elderlearners themselves.