Abstract
Following a review of the existing literature on educational opportunities in institutions of higher education for retired persons. This article provides an overview of the experience in this area of three major Israeli universities over the past 5 years. Each program's development, organization, and current status is described. Data is then presented on the social and intellectual backgrounds of the retired participants, their motivations, course interests, satisfaction with the programs, and social relations to other retired participants. In conclusion, some of the unanticipated “payoffs” and potential relevance of the Israeli experience in higher education for the retired of other countries is discussed.
Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah said: Where there is no Torah, there is no proper conduct; where there is no proper conduct, there is no Torah. Where there is no wisdom, there is no reverence; where there is no reverence there is no wisdom. Where there is no knowledge there is no understanding; where there is no understanding, there is no knowledge. Where there is no bread, there is no Torah; where there is no Torah, there is no bread.
Mishnah, Pirkei Avot 3 (21)