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The Continuing Education of the Baby Boomer Generation Look at some of the reasons why education is an ongoing affair for older Americans. Across the board, older Americans are becoming an economic force to be reckoned with. Between the years 1990 and 2000, the number of adults under 35 has declined by more than 8.3 million, while the number over 50 has grown by 12.2 million. By the year 2020, more than a third of all Americans will be 50 or older and by 2050, people over 65 will outnumber children 14 or younger. It stands to reason, therefore, that market watchers are turning their attention to the mature demographic. One rather unexpected area in which this holds true is higher education. Baby boomers place a great emphasis on education and are more likely to own computers than bother older and younger generations. Furthermore, according to a 2000 Current Population Survey published by the Census Bureau, the greatest percentage rise in college attendance was among women 30 and over. Students over 25 now account for about half of all those enrolled in college, and baby-boomers are returning to college at a record-breaking rate. Research conducted by Thomas Knable, a specialist in adult education, suggests that baby boomers enrol in continuing education for a variety of reasons, some professional and some personal. And some motivations can be both at once. For members of a generation defined by its idealism, a job that does not reflect personal values and passions can lead to burn-out: "Once I hit 40 I did some extensive soul searching and decided a major job change was in order," said one respondent to Knable's questionnaire. Another saw pursuit of a degree as a way to avoid "work where I'm only earning a buck and not doing what my heart is leading me to do." Mature students are very likely to be in the midst of a complete career change, gaining credentials to do a job they have always wanted. In fact, the American Association of Retired Persons found that eight in ten baby boomers plan to work at least part time during their retirement, and the greatest proportion of these said they would do so out of personal interest in and enjoyment of the work they planned to do. But older workers are also concerned that, in today's ever more competitive job market, their skills will be surpassed by younger candidates with more up-to-date training. The professional areas experiencing highest growth rates demand higher levels of skill in math, language and reasoning than average jobs currently do. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the growth rate for jobs requiring a Bachelors degree will be nearly twice that of the average for all occupations. Many workers of baby boom age, accordingly, are taking vocational enhancement courses. These range from management and computer applications training to technical seminars on new products and upgrades, and sales techniques. Single mothers and women who have been out of the work force for some time are likely to return to school in pursuit of skill updates. Other mature students, while not necessarily concerned about job security, are eager to further their education for the sake of their self-image or personal development. "I suffered from self confidence issues because I did not have a degree," confessed one respondent to Knable's study. For others, a personal experience may have inspired interest in a particular academic or vocational path. Divorce is also likely to spark a decision to return to school. Research shows that changes in marital status are among the top reasons behind women's returns to school as mature students. Other continuing education centers on development of skills related to leisure activities. AARP polled baby boomers and found that almost three quarters expected to take up or indulge an already-existing hobby in retirement. Low-key courses on flower arranging, cooking, pottery, dancing, and various sports cater to this group of older Americans who are open to expanding their range of activities. As American philosopher and education pioneer John Dewey put it, "The whole of life is learning; therefore education can have no ending." For those who practice what he preaches, the horizon of interests and discoveries is truly endless. Back To Mature Market News → Go To The GenerationTarget.com Mature Market Bookstore → |
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