This very first comprehensive book-length reference guide dealing with older adult education synthesizes current information about theoretical developments with specific practical details about the latest programs, policies, and research in the field. It is unique in placing the subject of lifelong learning into historical perspectives, discussing ways in which programs have been transformed over the last 15 to 20 years, and in considering the impact of institutional policies on older adult education.

This guide points to demographic trends relating to aging and older learners; discusses older learner motives in relation to program missions and rationales; describes new opportunities for retirement-age people and the special role of education today; reviews the history of 12 different types of programs; compares five community-based model programs in college and universities, senior centers, shopping centers, and churches and synagogues; considers computer and electronic learning programs; reviews research and programs dealing with intergenerational education; and assesses future prospects in the field. Appendices describe important organizations, programs, sources of information, state tuition waiver policies, and other guidelines and data. Relevant statistics, research findings, numerous tables, original documents, and anecdotes about the experiences of older learners further enrich this state-of-the discipline reference guide for academic, professional, and public libraries and broad audiences of teachers, students, professionls, and general readers concerned with older Americans.

RONALD J. MANHEIMER is the executive director of the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement at the University of North Carolina at Asheville where he is also Research Associate Professor of Philosophy. He is the author of Older Americans Almanac (1994) and Developing Arts and Humanities Programming with the Elderly (1984). Formerly he was director of Older Adult Education for the National Council on the Aging, Inc. He has designed and directed educational programs for and with older adults through universities, museums, libraries, and community centers. Currently he also chairs the Older Adult Education Network of the American Society on Aging.

DENISE D. SNODGRASS is assistant director of the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement. She specializes in leadership development among retirees and organizations working with older adults. She has coordinated numerous humanities projects funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and North and South Carolina Humanities Councils conducted by the NCCCR. She is also adjunct NCCCR instructor in the Department of Literature and Language at the University of North Carolina at Asheville where she teaches freshman composition.

DIANE MOSKOW-McKENZIE has over 15 years of work experience in the field of adult education. While with the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement she completed a national study of planning stages of over 250 older adult educational programs. She has authored articles, chapters, and directories dealing with older adult education.