Ageist mindsets and practices occur worldwide and can embody both explicit and implicit forms of discrimination. Inclusive and affirming community music spaces highlight the centrality of age as an integral form of diversity and can help to counteract age-based biases that older adults might experience in society.

This paper reflects on the ecofeminist educational implications of research findings about Australia's Knitting Nannas' Against Gas and Greed (a.k.a. The Nannas') experiences of peer-to-peer, environmental activist learning. Aspects of this unique and successful suite of informal learning practices devised by the Nannas guided by their Nannafesto,…

The number of U.S. citizens ages 65 years and older is steadily increasing, and members of this cohort are redefining what it means to be an older adult. As members of the Baby Boom generation reach older adulthood, many of them are seeking educational opportunities to help them to meet their needs and desires as lifelong learners. Several factors…

This briefing sheet is about lifelong learning for people aged 50+ years and how participation in learning can help maintain and improve mental health and wellbeing in later life. There is no commonly agreed definition of "older" people, and clearly people age at different rates. However, by the mid 50s, for most people retirement is…

Situates geragogy, the practice of teaching older adults, within critical gerontology. Explains principles of geragogy: embodiment of political rationale, commitment to transformation of ageism, refutation of myths of empowerment through education, outreach to all segments of the older population, emphasis on self-help culture, and engagement in…

This report of a congressional hearing focuses on the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), which permits forced retirement of American workers solely on the basis of age, that is, mandatory retirement at age 70. Testimony includes statements and prepared statements from a United States Representative, individuals who have been forced to…

Drawing from recent research, this paper attempts to refute some of the commonly held assumptions about the inevitable decline of intellect as part of the aging process and point to ways educators can expand educational opportunities for older adults. After exploring some of the myths and stereotypes about senile, disoriented, helpless, rigid,…

Age discrimination in the workplace is widespread and often based on stereotypes. Research has demonstrated that older workers learn and perform well. Adult educators should eliminate ways in which educational practices perpetuate ageism, raise awareness of it in the workplace, and help older workers continue learning. (SK)

This guide provides information on Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in a question-and-answer format for employees. The guide covers such topics as the following: which employers must comply; what employment practices and activities are covered; who is protected against employment discrimination; definitions of a person with a…

Despite the proven track record of older workers and accumulating evidence that age is not a handicap to continued learning, employers remain reluctant to invest resources in their training and retraining. Often, where training opportunities are provided with no age restrictions, only a small proportion of older persons eligible will participate.…

An unnecessary bias toward separate programing for younger and older adults precludes intergenerational learning and reinforces age stereotypes. Recent gerontological research supports common learning themes for young and old: self-sufficiency, adaptation, and class and gender concerns. (SK)

Purpose: The study was undertaken to determine and understand the career investment behavior of workers in late career (ages 50-70). Design/methodology/approach: The common wisdom, supported by economic theory, is that human capital investments in late career workers are of negligible value. Yet, recent evidence suggests that older workers do…

This book examines the important role of learning in maintaining the health, quality of life, and longevity of older adults. It includes results of the first comprehensive survey of adult learning in men and women over age 55. Chapter 1 focuses on aging, ageism, and issues raised by the graying of the population in what it calls the "Age" Age.…

This publication is the outcome of the Older and Wiser Project that assessed projects' work with elderly black clients. The first part defines who the black elderly are and provides an overview of the black elderly in Britain using data from the 1991 Census. A chart breaks down ethnic minority groups by age. Population pyramids that provide an…

This guide provides answers to the most-often asked questions about age discrimination. Section 1 discusses the purposes of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), including who is protected, what is unlawful, and what is permitted. Section 2 describes discriminatory actions prohibited by the ADEA. It covers discrimination in hiring, on…