History and Development

Abstract

This chapter traces the historical development of older adult learning. It details the background context which made this field the fastest growing sector of lifelong learning. The genealogical epicentre of older adult learning is located in the post- War American and British contexts which were amongst the first nations to break the association between retirement and frail old age. Whilst it was during the late 1940s and 1950s that the first campaigns in favour of late-life learning took place, the 1970s saw older adult learning officially recognised as a speciality discipline.