Elderhostel-Adult Educaiton

             A new facet of aging will accompany us into the 21st century, a pattern valuing lifelong learning. The next millennium will embrace a new kind of student: older adult, healthier, better educated and more financially secure. Baby boomers, who have had increased access to education throughout their lives, will continue to seek educational opportunities as a way to adjust to the challenges of the third age. Leading adult educators agree that education has always been used to adjust to life's changes, and there is no reason to believe that this would differ in retirement. Lifelong learning interests will not fade away because individuals retire; on the contrary, the need for educational programs and services for the mature adult should increase.
             As the older adult population grows, so does the need to understand their learning needs. Sadly, to date there have been few programs or research initiatives explicitly devoted to the education of the older adult. There is a need for research, one in which a vital role can be played by such organizations as seniors' universities, adult education services working with seniors, and other organizations.
             One study I read, examines how older adults, who are retired or contemplating retirement, make decisions regarding their educational experiences. This study identifies factors related to motivation and participation but does not examine factors specifically related to choosing a specific educational venue or course.
             Elderhostel choices for an educational learning session and specific course selection is influenced by 14 factors: location; travel; program; course content; accommodations; cost; dates; negotiation with travel partner; social; sites; personal and physical requirements; escape; information; and the policies, philosophy, and program requirements.
             The social environment of adult education has evolved throughout this century, with the advent of computers, the
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Elderhostel-Adult Educaiton. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 17:57, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/27494.html