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Lifelong learning is essential for resourceful aging - for individuals and for society. Its importance derives, in large part, from the changing demographics and extended life expectancy that characterize our society. These changes include:
- a markedly increased life expectancy at birth from 47 years in 1900 to 77 years today;
- an 11-fold increase in the population of Americans age 65 and older in the last century, compared to a 3-fold increase in the population under 65;
- a more diverse older adult population characterized by a projected increase of 219% for minority elders between 2000 and 2030, compared to an expected increase of 81% for whites; and,
- a potential doubling in the number of elderly by the year 2030 when approximately 20% of the population will be age 65 and older.
The increased length of adulthood over the past century - with extended middle years - will continue to affect the timing of major life events, family, and employment, leisure, and retirement. The effect on education will be pronounced. Rather than a linear progression along a continuum from birth through formal schooling, participation in the workplace, and then retirement, we are already witnessing the interweaving of these activities as people seek and create opportunities in accordance with changing needs and interests. Lifelong learning is an essential element in the complicated web that results, contributing significantly to the quality of life. Lifelong learning may also be a steadying influence in an increasingly complex and uncertain social, economic, and political environment.
Gerontologists refer frequently to the "use it or lose it" principle of aging. This principle is now generally accepted as valid with respect to cognitive functioning as well as physical well-being. While historically studies suggested a decline in intelligence and learning associated with age, such findings are now widely challenged and frequently discredited for a number of reasons; many, for example, rely on cross-sectional as opposed to longitudinal data (thereby reflecting age differences rather than age changes) and involve mature adults in test-taking activities that are anxiety producing and not part of their current experience.
A college district - the Maricopa District - whose vision, mission, and values all speak of a commitment to lifelong learning for its diverse communities cannot fail to recognize the potential and the importance of educational opportunities for adults of all ages. Such opportunities are essential if individuals are to acquire the skills that will be required in the workplace and homes of the future. They facilitate realization of personal potential. And they promise a better educated citizenry that appreciates the increasing diversity that will continue to describe American society.
An aging society needs the productive contribution of individuals of all ages. This contribution may take many forms, formal and informal. Individuals may contribute through the workplace, the school, the neighborhood, and the home, as employers, employees, students, retirees, and volunteers. Contributions may be personal, involving family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues, or they may be impersonal and remote. In any case, lifelong learning is a vital component in marshalling the often unrecognized and undervalued human resources embodied in an aging population.
For information about lifelong learning programs at your local college or in your community, contact:
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Sun Lakes Education Center
Mary Kaye Allen
(480) 857-5505
Estrella Mountain Community College
Community Education Program
Gina Sandoval
(623) 935-8499
Glendale Community College
Community Education
Suzanne Higgins
(623) 845-3808
Mesa Community College
Senior Programs
Marie Allen
(480) 461-6251
Paradise Valley Community College
Senior College
Judi Anderson
(602) 787-6802
Phoenix College
Adult Education Program
Colleen Massey
(602) 285-7192
Rio Salado College
Sun Cities Lifelong Learning Center
Charlcey Brabec
(480) 517-8776
Scottsdale Community College
Senior Adult Educational Program
Vincent Huffman
(480) 423-6535
South Mountain Community College
Guadalupe Center
Raul Monreal
(602) 243-8040
For information about Maricopa CARES, the Senior Adult Network, college programs, eldercare, or older workers, contact Rose Pfefferbaum at (602) 285-7587.
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