This important book builds on recent publications in lifelong learning which focus on learning
and education in later life. This work breaks new ground in international understandings of
what constitutes later life learning across diverse cultures in manifold countries or regions
across the world. Containing 42 separate country regional analyses of later life learning the
overall significance resides in insiders' conceptualisations and critique of this emerging
sub-field of lifelong learning and adult education.International perspectives on older adult
education provides new appreciation of what is happening in countries from Europe (14) Africa
(10) the Americas (7) Asia (9) and Australasia (2) as authored by adult educators and or
social gerontologists in respective geographical areas. These analyses are contextualised by a
thorough introduction and critical appraisal where trends and fresh insights are revealed. The
outcome of this book is a never-before available critique of what it means to be an older
learner in specific nations and the accompanying opportunities and barriers for learning and
education.The sub-title of research policy and practice conveys the territory that authors
traverse in which rhetoric and reality are interrogated. Coverage in chapters includes
conceptual analysis historical patterns of provision policy developments theoretical
perspectives research studies challenges faced by countries and success stories of later life
learning. The resultant effect is a vivid portrayal of a vast array of learning that occurs in
later life across the globe.Brian Findsen is Professor of Education and Postgraduate Leader for
Te Whiringa School of Educational Leadership and Policy Faculty of Education University of
Waikato Hamilton New Zealand.Marvin Formosa is Head of the Department of Gerontology Faculty
for Social Wellbeing University of Malta and Director of the International Institute on
Ageing (United Nations - Malta).
