R05: Learning beyond career goals

E-023. Osher National Resource Center, February 2025. 2024 membership survey.

Method: English-only online survey at 16 selected OLLIs, fall 2024. There were 5,842 usable responses, approximately 32% of participating programs' membership. Most respondents were retired and degree-educated.

Learning: Interests include history, arts, current affairs and science. In-person learning was preferred by 67.7%; online options still helped with scheduling and transport. Preferred class experiences included listening, questions and discussion. [PDF pp. 6–8 and Table 2, p. 22.]

Limits: Existing, self-selected OLLI members are not all older adults or SUNY visitors. Participation in an English-only online survey also limits whose experience is heard. The report's suggested social benefits are interpretation, not a causal test.

Confidence: Moderate for sampled members; indirect evidence for an enrichment scenario.

Coverage: PDF pp. 1–11, question list p. 20 and Table 2 p. 22; the table was visually checked. Other appendices not fully reviewed. Retrieved October 26, 2026.