Lifelong Learning Essay

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Lifelong Learning for Older Adults
Education does not need to stop at a certain point in adult life. Educators are beginning to understand that older adults still retain the capacity to learn and that there are many benefits that come with keeping the brain active throughout older adulthood. Older adults may find attending university to be inspiring; however it seems that most of lifelong learning for older adults occurs outside of traditional academia. A lifelong learning education model provides a fluid perspective that views individuals as both learners and teachers throughout their lifespan (Feldman, 1991).
According, Mainheimer (2008) the growth of lifelong learning opportunities can be attributed to national efforts to encourage lifelong learning societies for individuals of all ages, initiatives that respond to the increased population of older adults, and outgrowth and continuation of adult and continuing education movements. In addition, the overall education level of older adults has increased with over 80 percent of older men and women having completed high school. Lifelong learning promotes active aging in the older adult population (Tam, 2013). The World Health Organization defines active aging as “the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation, and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age” (WHO, 2002). Lifelong learning is beneficial for the older adult population as a whole.

Options for Lifelong Learning
There is great diversity in the older adult population and as a result various options for lifelong learning programs exist. Educational interests can vary from broad subjects such as liberal arts to instruction to older adult specific issues. Lifelong learning classes (...

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...o new and current programs. Also changes in the academic system for lifelong learning may be critical in attracting future students.
In conclusion, older adults have numerous options to choose from in terms of lifelong learning programs. Different programs provide for the diverse needs of its participants and older adults can shop around for program that best suit their needs. Less government control of lifelong learning programs gives them the freedom to offer a variety of courses however it also causes a range of barriers and challenges. A big barrier that can come from less government control is that it can also mean less government funding which can make lifelong learning programs to be cost prohibitive. Nevertheless, the future of lifelong learning programs appears promising and seems to be correlated with many benefits for the older adults who utilize them.

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