Provisions for older adults in lifelong education

Abstract

This research was designed to study the provisions for older adults in lifelong education. Lifelong education implies concern with the entire life span. Older adults are America's fastest growing minority. The 1971 White House Conference on Aging named four specific needs of older adults, all of which might be met or ameliorated through education. Developmental highlights of lifelong education as proposed by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization are traced, as are efforts toward its implementation in the United States. The demographic status of older adult Americans is summarized. A documentary analysis of references was made in order to explore the provisions for older adults in lifelong education; implications, omissions, and involvements are noted. The findings reveal that although America is "graying" rapidly and ample provisions are made for older adults in the lifelong education concept, needs of older adults are not being met. Potentialities for the interaction of the lifelong education concept with this target population group are suggested, as is a role for adult educators.