Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to assess the postretirement educational goals of older adult learners and compare them to current offerings of adult education programs in California. This study explored the differences in expectations of baby boom generation students entering adult education programs in California with those of older adult students of the veteran generation. Methodology. Descriptive and ex post facto research were used. A survey was conducted of five hundred sixty-four (564) older adult students at two adult education older adult programs identified as "Programs of Excellence" by the California Department of Education; Metropolitan Adult Education in San Jose, California, and Baldwin Park Adult and Community Education in Baldwin Park, California. Findings. Major findings indicated that older adult students were strongly interested in attending classes for the joy of learning and pursuing their hobbies and recreational goals. They were significantly more interested in classes in arts and culture than their veteran counterparts and were more willing to explore "new age" topics such as aromatherapy and self-understanding. Boomers were interested in monitoring their health and wanted to learn as part of a group in a traditional classroom situation. Conclusions and recommendations. The study concluded with the following recommendations: (1) provide staff development to teachers on how to address learning preferences between boomers and veterans, (2) adult schools should expand the scope of their health and fitness classes to address the interests of boomers in alternative approaches to exercise and health, (3) adult schools should expand fine and applied arts programs to address the recreational and leisure interests of boomers, and (4) adult schools should take proactive steps to market new or redesigned classes to boomer students.