An increasing number of adults, between 40 to 60 years of age, returning to school across the U.S., are a clear indication of a work force not yet ready to retire. They are in fact looking at a second career, using college education to upgrade their skills and knowledge. And never before was it better. With umpteen courses, facilities for both  online and campus education, colleges and universities offering support services such as computer training, evening office hours etc, the baby boomers generation once again have the opportunity to usher in changes. The reasons why more adults are eagerly making their way to colleges are various; ranging from starting a new career to simply upgrading their knowledge.

Why are the Baby Boomers Going Back to School?

Today’s about to retire generation are the baby boomers of the erstwhile 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. While their involvement in their career is coming to an end, their desire for challenges, for making a difference to the community and society, and a meaningful involvement in a decision making position remains strong. However, in a vastly changed scenario, it is imperative that they upgrade their education before they make a foray into a second career. So, going back to school emerges as a sensible option.

A Second Career Means

New education for the baby boomers is a means to go forward with community development work, non-profit businesses, writing books, blogs etc. on world issues, organizing open forums for expressing independent ideas, dispensing healthcare services, and other services targeted at the benefit of the society. No issue, whether it is a poverty eradication drive in Africa, reducing carbon footprints in developed countries, or leading peace missions in the Middle East, is too big to handle. They have experience, wisdom, and connection. Going back to school gives them the expertise and credentials to

implement their plans. 

Designing the Right Education Model

Colleges and Universities should be able to provide the right model to cater to these learners. Know-all teachers, memorizing from books, confinement to lecture-halls and other methods reserved for the 18 to 22 year college going group are not applicable to adult learners. Adults set their own goals and directions. They have a veritable pool of life-experiences and always look to associate learning with these experiences. They have constraints related to time with their various responsibilities. An adult learner is motivated to learn when the right environment is provided. Education should fulfill his desire for knowledge, refrain from being boring, improve personal status and/or add to social benefit, and provide him with a congenial atmosphere for making and maintaining friendships.

Available Options of Learning

Distance learning, whether through printed material or an online source, is an ideal way for pursuing education. This way, baby boomers can learn at their own pace, explore related information, and most importantly opt for a degree of their choice, which may not be available at a local college. However, if attending classes is otherwise not an issue, then there are various colleges across U.S. that has programs such as ‘Sixty Plus Program’ (Ohio University), ‘Senior Citizen Scholarship’ (Jefferson Community College), etc.