Lifelong Learning

New opportunities for lifelong learning are redefining what it means to grow older. Throughout the country, there has been tremendous growth in the demand for learning programs for older adults. A recent Harris survey sponsored by AARP and the National Retired Teachers Association, confirmed the strong interest in lifelong learning among adults older than age 50. When asked why they want to learn, over 90% of the respondents said that they want to keep up with what is going on in the world, to increase their spiritual and personal growth, and to experience the sheer joy of learning something new.

Organizations/Web Sites

Lifelong Learning Institutes in the Area

Life Long Learning Northern Essex Community College Phone: 978- 556-3688 Web: http://www.necc.mass.edu/noncredit/lifelonglearning/lifelonglearninghome.shtml Explorers Lifelong Learning Institute of Salem State College Phone: 978-744-0804 Web: http://www.salemstate.edu/explorers The Middlesex Institute for Lifelong Learning for Seniors Phone: 781-280-3617 Web: http://www.middlesex.mass.edu/CareerTraining/Miles%20info.htm

University of Massachusetts (Boston) Gerontology Institute Phone: 617-287-7300 Web: http://www.geront.umb.edu/

The Gerontology Institute, founded in 1984, and the Department of Gerontology of the University of Massachusetts, Boston, comprise one of this country's leading centers for the academic study of social gerontology. The Gerontology Institute has as its mission: To conduct social and economic research on aging; To provide public education on issues associated with aging; To expand opportunities for older people to make productive contributions in aging services.

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Elderhostel Phone: 1-877-426-8056 Web: http://www.elderhostel.org/

Elderhostel is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing a diverse and affordable selection of learning adventures to individuals 55 and over. Programs include traditional offerings as well as adventure, service and intergenerational programs. Elderhostel is the world's largest educational and travel organization for older adults.

Online Learning - AARP Web: http://www.aarp.org/learntech/

AARP offers free online courses on topics of interest to older adults.

Print and Other Resources Harvard Generations Policy Journal. Cambridge, MA: Generations Policy Initiative. Steinbach, Robert L. Successful Lifelong Learning: Ten Tactics for Today and Tomorrow. Menlo Park, CA: Crisp Publications, 2000.

 

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