
Encore
Education
The Baby Boomer generation was composed of individuals often associated with a deep appreciation for college life when campuses were epicenters of the social and political movements of the 1960’s and 70, such as civil rights, feminism and anti-war protests. For many boomers, college life represented freedom, exploration and activism. It allowed them to form their identities in a period of cultural change.
Now the boomers are finding that college campuses are welcoming them back to once again explore their identities– at a much later stage of life.
Encore educational programs, designed for people in their 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and beyond offer substantial value to senior citizens by addressing their intellectual, social and emotional needs. Lifelong learning encourages intellectual stimulation and curiosity which can slow cognitive decline. At the same time, it allows participants to explore new subjects, hobbies or revisit areas of past interest. Retirees are repurposing their skills and accumulated experiences to pursue more socially impactful “encore careers,” launch start ups or revive areas of interest that may have been impractical or impossible to pursue in their earlier years. They also enable individuals to connect with peers, reducing social isolation and loneliness while building a sense of community and belonging.
Education is not solely about academic achievements; it enriches life experiences. From learning about different cultures to exploring various disciplines, the pursuit of knowledge broadens horizons and enhances the quality of life. Lifelong learners find joy in discovering new interests and hobbies that bring fulfillment beyond traditional measures of success.