Boomers Can't Get Enough Education

When Rodney Dangerfield went "Back to School" in the 1986 movie, the idea of a sixty-something person going back to college was the comic premise of the film.

Soon it may be commonplace.

The Arizona Republic says that the nation's community colleges are preparing for an anticipated wave of baby boomer enrollment as people look to "unretire" into part-time jobs in "health care, teaching, social work and retail."

Much of the coursework may be online, which will help the schools absorb the new students.

A recently released Merrill Lynch study found that "three quarters of baby boomers have no intention of seeking a 'traditional retirement.' Instead, boomers intend to create a whole new life stage that includes a balance of work and active living."

The study also found that only 35% of middle age (41 - 59) boomers who planned on working in retirement wanted to continue in their current line of work.

Good news for community colleges and anyone else offering training to older workers.