What Are the Educational
Interests of Older Adults?
A study for the Illinois Board of Higher
Education's Citizens Agenda targeted the educational needs
of Illinoisans 18 and older. When asked why they would take
a class, 82.6% said for personal development or interest. Another
77.2% said professional development, 63.7%, to explore new career
options, 56.8% to complete a degree, and 54.2% to obtain skills
for a different job.
Study Conducted by LIFELONG
The study of older adults was conducted by LIFELONG, a coalition
of community colleges and universities that offer educational
courses for older Illinoisans. Twenty one community colleges,
universities, and aging organizations surveyed older adults
ages 35 to 95 in 51 counties.
Characteristics of Respondents
Those completing the survey were predominately white females
with a median age of 71 who live in single family dwellings.
Overall, they perceive their health as good. They reside in
mostly urban and suburban settings with 12.4% in rural areas.
Their educational attainment is high. A bachelor's degree
or graduate or professional degree is held by 46%. Most of the
respondents are retired (83.4%) and 14.5% plan to retire within
the next 5 years.
Selection of the sample
During the spring of 1998 a letter was sent to 75 organizations
including community colleges, universities, gerontology programs,
Elderhostel Institutes, and aging organizations inviting them
to participate in a study on the educational interests of older
adults. A planning group was formed comprised of those responding.
The group met in May and June to prepare the instrument and
finalize the process. In late July, the survey instruments were
mailed to those who had expressed an interest in being involved.
Of that group 21 organizations surveyed older adults during
the months of August and September, 1998. They used three methods:
sending surveys to their mailing lists, giving students the
surveys during classes, and using other events (fairs, celebrations,
meetings) as an opportunity for obtaining input. The survey
was completed by 1019 older adults.
Taking a Course in the Future
Seventy percent said they had taken an education course or program
in the last 5 years and said the courses they would be most
likely to take (see graph) include those reflecting their personal
interest, pleasure, enrichment, learning a new skill, and those
that would improve health. Only 115 individuals were interested
in job training/ career development, 66 in a college degree,
and 20 in GED/high school diploma.
Educational Interests
It shouldn't be surprising to find that the most cited
course (see the graph below) for older adults is computers.
That is followed closely by travel, educational field trips,
health issues, fine arts, current affairs and craft or hobby,
Other courses of choice include coping with life changes, financial
planning, spiritual issues, and academic subjects.
One survey form brought a smile when we read it. It was question
number 18, "What is the best way to inform you about taking
courses or programs?" Under the "other" choice,
the words "web site" were written in shaky bold
letters. We forgot to list that choice on the survey form, but
savvy elders added it.
Location and Information about Courses
Community colleges were the choice of most seniors when asked
where they would prefer to take classes. The university was
the second choice, followed closely by the library. Also receiving
responses were park districts, high schools, religious institutions,
museums, and hospitals. The question about the best way to inform
older adults regarding courses fit the old saying of "just
ask." Direct contact seems to be the way that older adults
say they would like to be reached. Newspapers were the second
choice and received many responses. The other possibilities,
through a friend, TV, or radio were not as popular.
Barriers to Taking Education Courses
When writing this question, the committee was curious about
how comfortable older adults felt about taking courses, particularly
on college and university campuses. Most older adults didn't
see any barriers. Of those that did, scheduling was the greatest
factor and only 266 gave this response which is only one fourth
of the total. Cost, was also often cited. A second tier of barriers
with an even lower response rate included being too busy, parking,
and health reasons.
Volunteering
Of those responding to this question, 61.5% said they volunteer
and 49.3% volunteer 2-5 hours per week. Very few responded to
the possibility of getting involved on campus. Of those who
did, they were most interested in tutoring, mentoring, career
counseling, and fund raising. The best way to inform older adults
about volunteer opportunities on campus is direct contact and
newspapers.
Acknowledgments
Appreciation is extended to those who developed the instrument,
conducted the piloting, participated in the study, colored dots
on the scan sheets ( a special tribute to Maxine Miller who
did about 700). We appreciate the efforts of all who gave so
generously of their time to make this study possible. For further
information, ilii@siu.edu or FAX 618-453-1186
Participants in the Study
American Association of Retired Persons, Belleville Area College,
Bradley University, Carl Sandburg College, Chicago Department
on Aging, College of DuPage, Heartland Community College, John
Wood Community College, Joliet Junior College, Lincoln Land
Community College, Metropolitan Community College, Northern
Illinois University, Oakton Community College, Parkland College,
Prairie State College, Quincy University, Rend Lake College,
Richland Community College, Southeastern Illinois College, University
of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Western Illinois University
