ADULT LEARNING

Adult Learning



Abstract

This research is based on the emerging trend of old citizens returining back to studies with the reason of bypassing the leisure time they have after retirement. This report is based on APA guidelines and LOLB model.

Adult Learning

Introduction

Thirty or forty years ago, only a tiny fractions of the population, the wealthy and healthy, could really enjoy a robust Third Age. Now that leisure time period has become democratized, giving millions of ordinary citizens more options than they had ever dreamed of. And since prior education remains a main determinant of demand for education in the later years, this combination of factors has generated a growing population of older learners returning to college.

More adults age 50 to 79 are bypassing retirement and leisure nowadays to change careers, pursue advanced degrees, or start new businesses. But, many barriers stand in the way of older adults with a strong interest in college-level learning. This is a research on the behaviors of the old age students and the barriers faced by them.

Discussion

Older adult education in the United States is shaped more by consumer demand and the rise of a multitude of non-profit educational organization than by state-run institutions or government policies. Fueling the demand is a new generation of retirees who are more affluent, better educated, and healthier than any previous generation in American history.

In the middle of the last century, planning for life after retirement was a luxury few people enjoyed(Paulson & Boeke 2006). In 1950, the average retirement age was about 68 years. Average life expectancy was also 68 years. Most people worked their whole lives—often in physically demanding, dangerous jobs—and died before their "golden years." Those who lived beyond age 65—8 percent of the population—often struggled with ill health or disability.

Today, the average retirement age is 62. Life expectancy is 78 and climbing. With the rise of the service economy, increased mechanization, and improved labor laws, most jobs are less strenuous and safer. Add to this a growing affluence and increased well-being for some—but, also continued financial insecurity or chronic health issues for others—and many 55- to 79-year-old adults are wondering what's next.

Older adults are entering the third age of life a stage traditionally defined by retirement, as well as by learning solely for personal achievement or self-development. Now, increased longevity is leading many older adults to switch careers, enter college for the first (or fifth) time, start new businesses, or tackle community problems (Kim & Merriam 2004).

Factors Affecting Old Age Participation

Age

Perhaps the greatest factor influencing older adults' participation in education and the workforceis age.

Within this cohort there are 3 different cohorts

Depression era children (born in 1928 to 1935)

the so-called War babies (born in 1936 to 1945)

Baby boomers (born in 1946 to 1964).

Older adults in these three cohorts are more educated than their predecessors(Hughes & O'Rand, 2004), yet frequent remarks about their high levels of education—particularly among boomers—may lead to the perception that the majority of older adults are ...