Many going back to school at age 50-plus

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that people 50-plus are going back to school in higher numbers than ever. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that people 50-plus are going back to school in higher numbers than ever. Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Many going back to school at age 50-plus 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Things are changing and people over age 50 are working later in life, partly because they have a longer life expectancy than previous generations. Another change, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, is that people 50-plus are going back to school in higher numbers than ever.

Here are some reasons why this is happening:

Unexpected early retirement

Some people retire earlier than they had expected or wanted, due to employer decisions, economy, health challenges or other reasons. When this happens, they have to decide what to do next.

They often need to acquire new skills to be able to compete in today's job market. It's likely they will need some type of retraining/recertification to help boost their marketability. Many also will need help in other areas. In an AARP survey, nearly half of the workers surveyed said it had been 10 or more years since they had applied for a job, and 39 percent said they had not updated their resumes in that time.

Academic counselors can give them assessment tests and advise them as to what careers might be good choices for the newly unemployed. They network with area employers, so they are able to provide job-specific training that will help people find jobs.

To become eligible for these jobs, the job seekers may need to get a degree or certificate.

Launching a second career

Adults change careers for different reasons, some wanting to pursue work that is more fulfilling, while others dream of starting their own businesses. Workers in older age groups have higher rates of self-employment than do workers in younger groups, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Sometimes people want to reinvent themselves and do something new. They don't want to continue doing what they have been doing for years - maybe even decades.

Consider those who have been in the military. After putting in a certain number of years, they can retire with a full pension. If they enlisted when they were young, they might retire from the military by age 48 or even earlier. They then have to decide what to do next. It's likely that anyone who wants to make a dramatic career change will have to get some kind of training, or complete a degree to launch a new career.

Some people return to school because they need to update their skills, either to help them with their current jobs or to put themselves in position for a promotion. That might mean getting a bachelor's degree or master's degree. In today's competitive job markets, degrees can be powerful assets.

As an incentive, if they are still employed, their employers might reimburse their expenses, through tuition assistance programs.

"Finding and keeping a job today requires new and varied skills," said Emily Allen, senior vice president, AARP Foundation Programs. "Our workforce programs are designed to offer the specific resources, guidance, and connections necessary for older adults to obtain good jobs, advance in their careers or identify new income-generation opportunities."

Due to academic problems, immaturity or not having the money to continue, some seniors return to college because they left before completing their degree. They may have some college credits and are now in a position to return to school. Finishing a college degree can be very satisfying and a confidence booster.

Online education gives seniors new educational opportunities that weren't available decades ago. This way, they can connect virtually to classrooms from their homes or almost anywhere they want.

This flexibility can be especially appealing to busy professionals and could be good for people who have trouble driving.

People who earned a bachelor's degree earn 70 percent more than those with a high school diploma alone, according to the BLS. They also experience half as much unemployment compared to those with only a high school education.

Many accredited degree-granting educational institutions nationwide let seniors audit classes for free. They can attend classes, but do not get grades or credit for the courses. Some also offer seniors tuition waivers where they can attend classes and get credit for them.

Requirements of these programs vary. Check to see what rules are in place at the school you are interested in attending. As part of the Texas Education Code, Texas seniors can take up to six hours of classes a semester free of charge at participating institutions.

However, the program doesn't cover any other expenses, including textbooks. Waivers may depend on space availability. Tuition-paying students are given priority to register and attend classes.

"Taking college and university classes is an opportunity for senior citizens to update skills, start new careers or achieve a yet unrealized educational goal. Moreover, they bring experiences and perspectives that can enhance class discussions and projects for all students," said David Gardner, deputy commissioner for academic planning and policy/chief academic officer for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Gardner said that Texas wants to encourage individuals in Texas that are 65 and older to take advantage of the great education system Texas has.

A quote from Albert Einstein sums up how some feel about going back to school later in life: "Once you stop learning, you start dying."