Framing New Terrain: Older Adults and Higher Education

From the Executive Summary: "In 2004, 54.2 million people in the united states were between the ages of 55 and 79, constituting about 19 percent of the American population (u.s. census Bureau, 2004b). And that number is rising. recent surveys by AArP, civic Ventures, Merrill lynch, and other organizations indicate that a majority of adults in this age group plan to stay engaged in some form of work, community service, or learning activity— with obvious implications for higher education. How are colleges and universities adapting their policies and practices to meet these potential postsecondary needs for one-fifth of our nation? Reinvesting in the third Age: Older Adults and Higher education, the American council on education’s (Ace) two-year research project funded by Metlife Foundation, explores this question. this publication, Framing New Terrain, is the project’s first report. Based on an extensive review of research literature and conversations with higher education and other leaders, the report describes the changing demographics of adults aged 55 to 79, their motivations for participating in higher education, and the obstacles that prevent broader participation."
Source: American council on education

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