As early as 1962, a precursor to the movement now known as Lifelong Learning Institutes (LLIs) arose in the form of the Institute for Retired Professionals under the sponsorship of the New School for Social Research in New York City. LLIs are now established across North America, usually tied to a college, university, or other academic institution of higher learning. Close to 500 are in place now with the number growing.

The Bernard Osher Foundation, based in California, has awarded grant money to senior colleges across the nation. Joining one costs a minimum annual fee of $25 and classes can be taken for a nominal fee of $50, which includes books. Each is independently run, but the majority are connected through a network such as the Osher Institutes.

Elderhostel is a dominant player in the field of networking Learning Institutes through its Elderhostel Institute Network (EIN). LLIs are an example of how new institutions are popping up in response to the gently aging, high-energy crowd's hunger for knowledge and continued intellectual growth.

It is no secret that older adults want to expand their horizons and continue personal growth with a richer understanding of the splendor of the universe and their place in it. LLIs offer college-level programs on a non-credit basis. Each is established independently of the others, but they have many of the same goals:

• Created by unique group of people

• Has own by-laws

• Usually offers college-level work

• Has a social component

• Courses have no credit, no tests, and no grades

• Defined as an educational community of older learners

• Features peer learning, most taught by volunteers

• Has collaborative membership

• Has active membership participation

• Is financially self-sustaining

An LLI is rooted in the belief that older adults care greatly about continuing their education and are intense, self-motivated learners.