Studying in Later Life and Retirement

For many people, retirement or semi-retirement brings something rare: time. Time to read, to ask questions and to learn something just because it is interesting. Others reach later life after raising a family, working in a career that did not allow it or recovering from a life change, and decide to complete a degree or learn a new subject. Whatever the reason, studying in later life can be one of the most rewarding things to do. It also has its own practical questions, about cost, energy, technology and what kind of course is right.

Programs, discounts and rules differ by institution and country. This guide uses no figures and is general information. Check each provider's current details.

Why people study in later life

• Curiosity. A subject they never had time for.
• Unfinished business, such as completing a degree.
• Staying mentally active.
• Social connection, meeting people with shared interests.
• A new purpose, after work or caring ends.
• A second career or a part-time role, in teaching, consulting or volunteering.
• Keeping up with change, including technology.
• Setting an example for family.

Knowing your reason helps you choose between a full degree and something lighter.

The main options

Each suits a different purpose. Many people start with a short course or audit and move on to more if they enjoy it.

Auditing and special programs

Auditing lets you sit in on college classes without taking exams or earning credit.

• Ask the college whether older adults can audit, and whether fees are waived or reduced.
• Ask the instructor for permission, which is often required.
• Know what to expect: you may be encouraged to take part, but are usually not graded.
• Check the limits: some courses and colleges do not allow auditing.

Lifelong learning institutes, which exist in many places, offer member-run classes, lectures and trips, often at a modest annual fee. They are social as well as intellectual. Look for those linked to a nearby university or community college.

Degrees and credit

If you want a qualification, you can study for a degree or certificate at any age.

• Check admission requirements, and whether earlier credits count. Our guide to credit for prior learning explained describes how experience and past study may be recognized.
• Consider part-time study, to fit your energy and schedule.
• Think about your goals: a qualification for work, personal achievement or interest.
• Check costs and aid. Our guide to financial aid for adult learners outlines sources, and some places offer tuition waivers or discounts for older adults.

Costs and discounts

Costs vary a great deal.

• Free options: libraries, community talks, open online courses and some audits.
• Low-cost options: community education, lifelong learning memberships and online courses.
• Reduced fees: some colleges give discounts or waivers to older adults for credit or audit courses.
• Standard fees: for degree study, though aid and other help may apply.

Ask each provider about discounts for older learners, and check whether they apply to the course you want. Compare the cost against the benefit. A low-cost course you enjoy may be better than an expensive one you do not.

What to expect in class

• A mix of ages, in many classes, and groups of older learners in others.
• Respect and interest from instructors, who often value older students' experience.
• Reading and discussion, with varied pace.
• Different expectations, depending on whether the course is for credit or interest.
• Social contact, which many people find the most rewarding part.

If you feel nervous, attend an information session, or begin with a single class.

Technology

Many courses now use technology.

• Learning platforms for materials and assignments.
• Video calls for online classes.
• Library databases.
• Email and messaging for communication.

If you are not comfortable, ask for help. Many colleges and libraries run free sessions for beginners.

Health and energy

Be realistic about your energy and health.

• Choose a pace that suits you. Start with fewer classes.
• Check accessibility: buildings, seating, sound and lighting.
• Ask about accommodations, such as large print, recordings or extra time.
• Take breaks and look after your health.
• Listen to your body. It is fine to pause or change course.

Disability and accessibility services at colleges exist for older students too.

Social benefits

For many older learners, the people are as important as the subject.

• Classes provide routine and company.
• Shared interests lead to friendships.
• Group trips and events are common in learning organizations.
• Teaching and mentoring younger students can be rewarding.

Choosing a course

• Start with your interest: what have you always wanted to know?
• Try before you commit: attend a talk, sample a class, watch an introductory lecture.
• Check the level: introductory classes may be easier to join.
• Check the format: in person, online or blended.
• Check the schedule and travel.
• Check the cost and discounts.
• Ask other learners about their experience.

Avoiding scams

Older learners are sometimes targeted.

• Be wary of high-pressure sales, limited-time offers and guaranteed results.
• Check that the provider is real and recognized.
• Do not give bank details or passwords to unknown organizations.
• Read the terms, especially for subscriptions and automatic renewals.
• Ask family or friends to look at offers you are unsure about.
• Be careful with unsolicited calls or emails about courses or qualifications.

A worked example

Imagine a retired engineer of sixty-eight who has always wanted to study history. He asks the local university whether older adults can audit, and learns that he can audit one course per term for free with the instructor's permission. He enjoys the first term, joins the university's lifelong learning institute for talks and trips and meets a group of friends. After two years, he decides to take a part-time certificate in local history, and asks about senior discounts. He asks his daughter to help him set up the online platform.

Starting lightly let him discover what he wanted.

Giving back through learning

Many older learners go on to share what they learn, as volunteers, tutors or mentors. Some join advisory groups or help younger students with writing and study skills. Sharing knowledge can be as rewarding as gaining it, and it connects learning to a wider purpose.

Making it a habit

Regular routines help learning stick. Pick a regular time each week for study, keep your materials in one place and join a group that meets at a set time. A modest habit that you keep is better than an ambitious plan that you drop.

Learning with a partner or friend

Studying with someone else makes it easier to start and to keep going. Ask a spouse, friend or neighbor to join a course or a talk series, and share notes and conversations afterward. Shared learning often becomes a shared interest.

Common mistakes

• Taking on too much at once.
• Assuming a degree is the only option.
• Not asking about discounts.
• Avoiding technology instead of asking for help.
• Falling for high-pressure offers.
• Neglecting accessibility needs.
• Giving up after a first difficult class.

A quick checklist

• Do I know why I want to study?
• Have I explored auditing, short courses and learning institutes?
• Have I asked about discounts and accessibility?
• Do I have a plan for technology?
• Have I checked the provider is genuine?

Final thoughts

Learning does not have an expiry date. Start with what interests you, try a small step and choose a pace that suits your energy. Ask about discounts, use the help available for technology and beware of high-pressure offers. Many people say that the best part of studying later in life is the freedom to learn for its own sake.