14. Education
As an ATW area of focus education is defined as intellectual growth and life-long learning. As a continual lifelong process, education plays a role in keeping older persons mentally active, promoting personal development, and even obtaining new job skills.
More than 77 percent of survey respondents had obtained education through high school or higher.
Table 14.1 Education Level
| Highest Level Completed |
Percent of respondents 2004 |
Percent of respondents 2008 |
| Less than high school |
11% |
11% |
| Some high school [16] |
12% |
8% |
| High School Diploma, GED |
35% |
33% |
| 2-year College Degree |
12% |
10% |
4-year College Degree [17] |
15% |
20% |
| Technical, Certification, or Licensure |
4% |
4% |
| Masters Degree |
8% |
10% |
| Doctorate Degree |
3% |
3% |
| Total |
100% |
100% |
As noted Section in 2, Demographics, the decline in persons with some high school and increase in persons with a 4-year degree both constituted statistically significant changes.
The increase in educational attainment is part of a long trend. According to the US Census: "The overall increase in educational attainment documented over the past six decades occurred as younger (and more educated) cohorts replaced older, less educated cohorts in the adult population." [18]
The majority of older Texans were satisfied with their current level of education.
Table 14.2 Satisfaction with Education
| "How satisfied are you with…" |
Very satisfied |
Somewhat satisfied |
Somewhat dissatisfied |
Very dissatisfied |
Total |
| Survey year 2004: Current level of education |
57% |
32% |
8% |
3% |
100% |
| Survey year 2008: Current level of education |
60% |
30% |
7% |
3% |
100% |
Current Participation in Education
Many opportunities for lifelong learning are available to older adults. Older Texans can participate in formal programs (e.g., degree programs, certification and licensure courses), or informal educational activities (e.g., skill-based, personal enrichment). Such educational opportunities may be available through institutions of higher education, elder hostels, lifelong learning institutes, adult education providers, public libraries, community and senior centers, and the Internet.
In 2008, six percent of respondents reported that they currently participate in an educational activity while 12 percent reported that they plan to participate.
Table 14.3 Current Educational Participation
| Are you currently participating in, or planning to participate in, an education class or program? |
Percent of respondents 2004 |
Percent of respondents 2008 |
| Currently participate |
7% |
6% |
| Plan to participate |
9% |
12% |
| Not participating |
83% |
81% |
| Total |
100% |
100% |
The majority of older Texans seek education for personal growth or recreation. However, some were seeking degrees, licensure, or skills needed for employment. More participants participated in educational programs in educational programs for personal growth in 2004 compared to 2008.
Table 14.4 Reasons for Participation in Education
| What is the primary reason you are participating in… an education class or program? |
Percent of respondents 2004 |
Percent of respondents 2008 |
| Seeking a degree |
2% |
6% |
| Licensure or certification |
8% |
12% |
| Obtain skills needed for employment |
8% |
5% |
| Personal growth |
65% |
57% |
| Recreation/entertainment |
16% |
10% |
| Other, specify |
1% |
11% |
| Total |
100% |
100% |
Those who participate in educational programs do so in a variety of settings.
Table 14.5 Educational Setting
| What is the primary way you currently access...an education class or program? |
Percent of respondents 2004 |
Percent of respondents 2008 |
| Internet/Distance Learning Program |
22% |
9% |
| University or Community College Campus |
41% |
36% |
| Community and/or Senior Center |
27% |
20% |
| Public Library |
3% |
3% |
| Parks and Recreation Department |
1% |
1% |
| Other, specify |
6% |
31% |
| Total |
100% |
100% |
Those who do not participate in education classes or programs cite several barriers.
Table 14.6 Barriers to Educational Participation
| What is the primary reason you are not participating in…an education class or program? |
Percent of respondents 2004 |
Percent of respondents 2008 |
| Convenience (travel and time) |
20% |
19% |
| Costs |
3% |
4% |
| Personal reasons |
9% |
10% |
| Not interested |
28% |
31% |
| Personal health [19] |
19% |
13% |
| Personal age |
19% |
17% |
| Other, specify [20] |
1% |
7% |
| Total |
100% |
100% |
Affordability
The cost of participating in formal education programs (e.g., college courses) can be a barrier for some who are interested in receiving additional education. Texas law allows state-supported institutions of higher education, including community colleges, to offer courses to older adults free or at a reduced rate. Implementation of these programs, however, is left to the discretion of each educational institution.
A limited number of older adults are enrolled in tuition waiver/discount programs available through state-supported institutions of higher education. In 2008, only 27 percent of survey respondents were aware of tuition discounts and waivers available to them.
Students in educational programs may also be eligible to receive a Lifetime Learning Credit, a federal income tax credit for the costs incurred in higher education. Sixteen percent of older Texans responding in 2008 were aware of this benefit.
Footnotes
- Statistically Significant: Respondents in 2008 were less likely to report that their highest level of education was only "some high school" compared to those who responded in 2004.
- Statistically Significant: Respondents in 2008 were more likely to report that their highest level of education was a 4-year degree,
compared to those who responded in 2004.
- http://www.census.gov/prod/2009pubs/p20-560.pdf
- Statistically Significant: Respondents in 2008 who have no plans to return to school were less likely to attribute their primary reason to health compared to those who responded in 2004.
- Statistically Significant: Respondents in 2008 who have no plans to return to school were more likely to cite a reason other than
those listed, compared to those who responded in 2004.
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Updated:
April 11, 2012
