First, gerontology is a life course perspective that evaluates aging outcomes as the cumulative effect of individual characteristics (socioeconomic status, personality, health behaviors) and where the person lives (i.e., human ecosystems), including the historical context in which they reside. Second, gerontology examines factors that contribute…

A considerable number of studies have been carried out to explore the experiences of the elderly engaging in third age education, however, most of these investigations have focused on elderly motivation, the benefits accruing from their participation, and the barriers they have encountered during their lifelong learning experience. However, there…

In the face of the ageing of society, the concept of active ageing has become a key problem within European politics. (United Nations, 2002; European Commission, 2006). In recent years, the University of Third Age (U3A) movement has developed very quickly both within Poland and outside our country. In this article, we consider the educational…

This article describes the design, development, and successful implementation of a hybrid distance education course on adulthood and aging. The focus is on the pedagogical and technological transitions made in converting a traditional course into an interactive television course (iTV). The course was taught a total of three times, first as a…

Members of an elders writing workshop reveal what the workshop meant to them. (FL)

Sets forth some essential facts about the aging process and discusses issues of concern to those who teach art workshops to older adults. (FL)

Explains how to use the techniques of interviewing to motivate older adults in a writing workshop. (FL)

Reports details of an educational program designed and implemented at one retirement community. Cites a national survey which attests to the uniqueness of this program. Recommends that educational programs based on this model be implemented at all retirement communities. (Author/ABB)

Presents issues and concerns in education for the older adult. Issues considered are an overview of the aged population, adult education and the older adult, and the older adult's ability to learn. A review of the literature with thoughts for future research is presented. (Author/BEF)

This study evaluated effects on creativity of a Quality of Life Program for 55 older adults. Subjects participated in a variety of creative activities. An increase in scores (particularly in fluency and flexibility) by the experimental group supported a growth theory of lifelong creativity. (DB)

Educators must create learning opportunities to stimulate older adults and allow them to develop. These educators must also operationalize self-fulfillment in adult education. Research and theory indicate that cognition is an adaptive process and elders who practice learning activities will maintain their abilities. Further, research and theory of…

Explores the relationship between retirement planning and demographic and attitudinal factors. One-third of the sample had planned for retirement. Planning was more common among males and high-status individuals. (Author)

Offers seven methodologically distinct delivery concepts visible in preretirement education today, suggests their distinguishing qualities in terms of methodological principles and leader-training issues, and illustrates the more influential concepts with examples of established program models. The contexts are the university-gerontology arena,…

Describes the use of David Savageau's book, "Retirement Places Rated," as a tool for teaching U.S. regional geography. Discusses factors used to evaluate and rate regions as retirement destinations. Includes two project assignments used in a college-level course titled "Geography of the Aged." (CFR)

These proceedings from the second conference on the Epidemiology of Aging sponsored by the National Institutes of Health indicate the direction of recent research and concern in this area. Attempts are made to formulate a definition of aging other than that of chronological age. A number of biomedical correlates of aging are addressed, including…