Adult educators should consider the benefits of journal writing in terms of their own learning and professional development.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

This study investigated the educational needs and interests of 86 retired persons participating in senior citizen center activities or living in residential centers for the aged. Two hypotheses were examined: That the aged prefer residential or senior citizen center educational activities to those offered in formal educational settings, and that the aged perceive instrumental activities (competency areas designed for effective mastery of old age challenges) as more important than expressive activities (experiences designed to increase a person's enjoyment of life.) Analysis of questionnaire data revealed significant (.001 level) support for both hypotheses. Additional information collected showed that transportation problems and evening-only educational activities limit participation. It was concluded that adult educators must consider the aged as clientele with special needs and interests. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMThe increasing potential for a longer life, the expansion of leisure, and the need to cope with increasingly rapid social change have made imperative an understanding of education as a condition for participation in a dynamic world. The development of adequate educational programs is the primary factor related to this condition. Adequacy, in this case, mandates that program planning be related to continued education throughout the entire life span. This is particularly important in designing programs for people in the later stages of life, primarily because so little is known about the needs and interests of the aged and retired.The planners of continuing education programs for the aged often find little success in simply developing various kinds of courses related to anticipated kaleidoscoping interests. As Peterson (9) points out, many older people feel that education has no relevance to their lives, &dquo;They only buy, with their time and dollars, what they feel they really need, and it's obvious, they don't feel they need education.&dquo; Thus, it seems very important that the interests and needs of older people be