Older Employee Behaviour and Interest in Continuing Education

Overview & Synopsis

The increasing older population actually sets the conditions for adult education and its potential for innovation in reception and support for older employees. Therefore it is important to keep in mind the needs older learners have, along with their educational interests and behaviour. This article presents the results of a national representative survey in Germany concerning the educational interests and behaviour of older learners, especially older employees. This survey shows the influence of income status, level of schooling and gender on educational behaviour and so explains the differences within the group of older adults concerning continuing education participation, expectations and barriers. Further modes of delivery of continuing education programs which are a central issue for older employees appear to be more important than the vocational usefulness of continuing education for this target group, and there is noticeable resignation concerning whether improved vocational opportunities can emerge from continuing participation in education.