Report to Governor's
Summit on Aging:
Lifelong Learning and Service October 1999
Jane Angelis, Director
Intergenerational Initiative
The old adage "It ain't over ‘til it's
over" is the basis for the widespread interest of seniors
in growth--mental, social, and physical. Elders speak
dynamically about learning and new courses that contribute
to their health, independence, and joy of life. Research shows
a correlation between educational attainment and the overall
quality of life. Older adults bring a bridge to the community,
act as advocates for education, and bring a passion for learning
to campus.
Demographics
At the turn of the 20th century, approximately 4 percent of
the United States population was over age sixty-five. Today,
that percentage has climbed to 13 percent and by 2030 is projected
to be 20 percent.
A closer look at the changing population in Illinois points
to the most significant growth, 40 percent, in the population
ages 50 to 64. Clearly, the number of older students will increase
dramatically, so the question is, how should we prepare?
What is Lifelong?
Lifelong is a coalition of community colleges and universities
that have educational programs for older adults. The organization
seeks to develop strategies to involve older learners on campus
as students, mentors, advocates, and sharers of their life experiences.
Purpose of Lifelong
Lifelong promotes collaborative activities among community colleges
and universities with a focus on information sharing, providing
new members with ideas and suggestions for getting started,
and developing a positive relationship between older adults
and higher education. Involving older adults in higher education
helps enrich the curricula while building community support
for higher education, and taping the talents of older people.
The purpose is to involve older persons on campus as learners
and in service opportunities. Lifelong has collectively developed
a Directory, conducted studies on the educational interests
of older adults, and provided workshops, conferences, and speakers
on topics of interest to the group.
Beginnings
Lifelong was established by the Illinois Community College Board,
the Illinois Board of Higher Education, and Intergenerational
Initiative in 1991 in response to the growing interest in older
adult education. The first Lifelong meeting was held in Springfield
and sponsored by American Association of Retired Persons, the
Illinois Department on Aging, and the Illinois Board of Higher
Education. The purpose was to discuss the relationship of older
adults, community colleges, and the future. Since then Lifelong
has met twice each year to discuss topics related to older learners
and share information about starting programs, managing, funding,
and more.
Educational Needs of Older Adults
Like explorers, we are entering new territory in Illinois. Never
before have we had such numbers of older learners in higher
education. As the numbers continue to increase, questions emerge
about the relationship between older learners and higher education.
What is higher education's commitment to older adults?
What is the commitment of older learners to their campuses?
Older learners in five regional meetings responded to these
questions with discussion and thoughtful recommendations. The
following themes were consistent throughout the five regional
meetings.
Access to Education
Access to education was a key theme throughout the five forums
and in the research. Access means different things to older
people such as, being able to get to classes physically, being
able to afford any fees, and having classes available. "Older
adults would like to learn more about cost-effective models
for the delivery of educational programs," (Rockford Forum)
and what scholarships, waivers, and economic aid might be available.
Of particular interest was technology, the expense associated
with computer classes, and the availability of classes.
Growth
The old adage, "It isn't over ‘til its over,"
is the basis for the widespread interest of seniors in growth,
mentally, socially, and physically. Many try different courses
and discover new interests that enrich their lives. Health and
independence are important to seniors and many believe that
"Health and independence are fostered by continued learning,"
(Quincy Forum).
Publicity on Programs
More information at the state and local levels is needed (1)
about programs available, (2) to address myths about learning,
(3) to reach elders who would benefit from education and don't
view themselves as "smart" enough to take courses,
and (4) to encourage the development of older learner programs
in communities where they do not currently exist.
Service Opportunities on Campus
A common theme was the relationship between educational programs
and volunteerism. "My life has been enlightened by education
and has given me a way of helping others," Mildred Patterson,
94, Rantoul.. From the Chicago Forum, "My classes at
the senior center gave me the knowledge, skills and confidence
to begin volunteering with kids as a mentor, something I would
not otherwise have done." Elders are interested in getting
involved with younger generations, particularly in computer
classes. Many older adults believe that they are an excellent
resource and want to "give back."
