Continuing education in later adulthood: implications for program development for elderly guest students.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Higher Education Studies
• Adult Education

Background:

• Institutions of higher education increasingly offer free continuing education programs for older adults.
• Despite availability, enrollment rates for this demographic are notably low.
• Understanding motivational factors for older adult participation is crucial for program development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors influencing older adults' decisions to enroll in continuing education.
• To explore attitudes toward lifelong learning among individuals over sixty.
• To inform strategies for increasing participation in accessible educational programs.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was administered to 65 highly educated white women aged 60 and over.
• The survey assessed attitudes toward continuing education and preferred learning environments.
• Data were collected on interest in specific subjects and social aspects of learning.

Main Results:

• 86% expressed high interest in diverse subjects like history, arts, and languages.
• 85% preferred mixed-age learning environments; 58% wanted to enroll with a companion.
• 75% reported no family encouragement for enrollment, suggesting intrinsic motivation is key.

Conclusions:

• A significant interest in continuing education exists among older women, driven by personal factors.
• Past educational experiences may foster a continued desire for university-level learning.
• Strategies should focus on social learning preferences and leveraging intrinsic motivation to boost enrollment.