AARP Hearing Center
More than ever, institutions of higher education have a powerful opportunity to engage an underserved yet highly motivated student population: older learners. From first-time college students and degree-completers to credential-seekers and career-upskillers, older learners represent a diverse and influential group. AARP is proud to support the publication of a deep dive report by Inside Higher Ed that explores how colleges and universities can better attract, serve and retain these diverse, driven students, many of whom bring valuable life experience and career-focused goals to the classroom.
The comprehensive report, “Generation Now: Postsecondary Pathways for Older Learners,” analyzes key barriers older learners face in navigating systems built for younger students, while spotlighting innovative programs and practices that are making education more accessible, flexible, and inclusive. The report features firsthand stories from adult learners, insights from higher education leaders, and practical strategies institutions can implement to expand their impact. Here is an excerpt from the report with a message from AARP, on Page 2 of “Generation Now: Postsecondary Pathways for Older Learners,” a Inside Higher Ed report written by Ben Upton with support from AARP:
“America is undergoing a significant demographic shift driven by a rapidly aging population. More than 10,000 Americans are turning 65 each day. By 2030, one in five Americans, or 21% of the U.S. population, will be 65 or older. As many people live longer lives, they have extended opportunities for meaningful and productive engagement. Navigating these changes—and their profound impacts on industries, institutions, and communities—will require the commitment, investment, and collaboration of leaders, including those working in the field of education and workforce development.
Historically, education has been wedged at the beginning of a learn-work-retire linear model. However, as people live and work longer, this three-stage linear model is incorporating continuous and later learning. Creating accessible opportunities for continuous and later learning can help extend workforce participation, boost economic mobility, and extend social engagement, all of which can help people live their best lives as they age. The benefits of lifelong learning opportunities often ripple across multiple generations of family members. We see a similar multiplying effect for employers and for local economies. As you will learn more about in this report, older learners are truly 'generation now.'
AARP advocates, builds partnerships, surfaces new insights, and serves members to ensure that all people can live their best lives as they age. We are committed to continuing to partner with leaders across sectors and industries to support lifelong learning. I thank the Inside Higher Ed team for their continued collaboration and for this important work about the opportunities and challenges of serving older students in their education journeys.”
Download the full report *here* and *register now* for a live webcast that will feature key findings and recommendations.