Policies, practices, and studies have long been focused on nonformal learning for older adults as if this were the only learning context for grey populations. In fact, today more elderly adults participate in degree-conferring programs. It is important to explore why formal learning environments attract the elderly. Therefore, the purpose of this…

One of the challenges of population aging is to ensure that there are enough trained professionals to meet the changing, specific needs of aging populations. The aim of this study was to describe the number, geographical distribution, and general characteristics of gerontological training programs offered by Latin American universities and to…

Since 2008, Taiwan's Ministry of Education has sponsored a number of short-term residential educational programs aimed at senior citizens and administered by local colleges and universities. In 2009, the Ministry of Education named a project the Elderhostel Program (notwithstanding the lack of involvement by the United States organization, which…

This conceptual paper contributes to the scholarship on life-long learning programs at public universities. It investigates the unique relationship between these institutions and their state, utilizing Ohio as an illustrative example. A review of several university mission statements illuminates the responsibility of these institutions to their…

To assure that gerontology students meet their educational objectives and are prepared to assume professional roles, gerontological program assessment is imperative. This paper situates gerontological academic program assessment within the framework of the American Association of Higher Education's principles of assessment. It presents clear…

Comparison of older adults participating in a University of the Third Age program with nonparticipants indicated that gender, age, and religion did not influence the terminal or instrumental values of either group. There were no significant differences in values between participants or nonparticipants. (SK)

The purpose of this article is to highlight ways in which programs within institutions of higher education and Foster Grandparent Programs can interact to their mutual benefit. Given federal and state initiatives to develop linkages between institutions of higher education and community service sites, mutual benefits exist at the program level for…

Outlines development of the university-based Encore program of lifelong enrichment for older adults who pay an annual membership fee for participation in activities related to environmental literacy, state/national/international issues, arts and sciences, personal development, and health and fitness. An administrative champion and volunteers are…

A survey of 300 Elderhostel participants in four southern states found that those with intellectual or social motivations were most likely to be satisfied. Expectations were highly related to satisfaction; demographic characteristics and health showed little relationship to satisfaction. (SK)

Describes a three-day program called "Senior Citizen Celebration Days: A Festival of Education and the Arts" sponsored by the University of Nebraska. Problems involved in planning and developing the program, benefits to older people, the university, and the community, and evaluation of the festival are discussed. (Author)

Describes a month-long nonaccredited daytime program for senior citizens from Montreal. Senior students, two college students and one administrator from Dawson College spent a month in Florida, combining a vacation with an educational experience. (Author/BEF)

In this study, the results of a survey of educational training programs in Indiana are summarized and compared with the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education survey of programs throughout the United States. These surveys indicate considerable disparity in courses and programs among universities across the nation. (Author)

This report presents a summary of the program presented by 16 Texas community and junior colleges for people over age 60 during the academic year 1974-1975. This program supported demonstration projects to improve the quality of life of elderly Texans through innovative educational activities. (Author)

According to survey responses from 388 of 1,288 community and technical colleges, only one-fourth offer programs specifically for older adults. Most programs stress recreation, enrichment, and financial management, which do not necessarily reflect the educational needs of this population. (SK)

Higher education has not properly responded to employment needs in the field of aging. Employment needs and projections are related to the increasing demand for short-term training programs and the emerging interest in lifetime learning approaches to adult education. (Author)