Back to School After 50: A Growing Trend

By Elizabeth Ndungu

Lorraine Went Back to School at 63

Lorraine had always wanted to finish her degree. She left college in her twenties when life got difficult. Decades later, she decided to try again.

Her husband’s job was uncertain. She wanted to support her family and feel confident at work. Most of all, she wanted to become the first person in her family to graduate.

She was motivated and determined. However, she didn’t expect technology to be her biggest challenge.

 

Technology Became a Barrier

Lorraine’s classes were fully online. At first, that seemed convenient. But very quickly, the tech became confusing.

She had never used portals, upload systems, or video chat tools. Every assignment came with a new platform. She needed to manage passwords, join group chats, and follow fast digital instructions.

Her classmates moved quickly. They used apps that felt completely foreign to her. Lorraine had questions but no one to ask.

Instead of support, she found long FAQ pages and help tickets. There was no real guide for students like her. She was not struggling with the class content. She was struggling with the systems.

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Many Schools Still Focus on the Young

More adults over 50 are going back to school. Some are finishing degrees. Others are learning new skills or changing careers.

Colleges across the United States are bracing for steep enrollment declines. Between 2010 and 2021, undergraduate enrollment dropped by 8.4 percent, with the sharpest declines among students aged 18 to 24. At the same time, the number of students aged 50 and older has slowly but steadily grown. By fall 2023, about 2.2 percent of U.S. undergraduates were over 50, according to educationdata.org. More broadly, nearly 3.9 million students aged 25 and older were enrolled, representing nearly one quarter of the undergraduate population.

Even so, most learning programs still focus on younger students. Course materials assume students are fluent in tech. That leaves many older learners behind.

Education should feel welcoming. When systems are not built for everyone, it can feel discouraging instead.

Online Learning Takes Skill

Online learning is not easier. It often requires more effort. Students need to manage digital tools, time, and communication.

Lorraine had to teach herself how to format documents, use calendars, and join video calls. A single missed step could mean missing a deadline.

She kept trying. But she often felt frustrated and unsure. Without clear instructions or real people to help, each week felt like a guessing game.

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Teachers Are Also Learning

Educators are adapting too. They are learning how to teach with new technology. Many are balancing in-person and virtual classes at once.

Some schools offer training. These programs teach digital tools and how to work with different age groups. Still, not every teacher has time to attend.

When educators feel rushed, they may miss what older students need. Clear steps, extra time, and check-ins make a big difference.

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It Was Not Just About School

Lorraine was doing more than taking classes. She was managing a home, worrying about money, and trying to stay focused. The pressure was heavy.

She didn’t want special treatment. She wanted to be included. But many support services focused on younger students. They missed the needs of adults balancing work, family, and school.

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What Schools Can Do Better

Simple changes can help older students succeed. Here are a few ideas:

• Make tech onboarding easier. Use videos, step-by-step guides, and live support.

• Train teachers to be more inclusive. Encourage patience and clear communication.

• Use simple platforms. Avoid apps that need extra logins or downloads.

• Offer wellness programs for adults. Include support for stress, caregiving, and job pressure.

• Offer tech programs/resources for seniors that combine mental health + tech skills.  Include resources in the school that teach basic computer skills + mental health support while learning those skills. Companies such as: Ndungu Consulting specialize in such support. And Basic computer skills can be tutored at Varsity Tutors, Preply, Tutor.com etc.

These changes help all students, not just older ones.

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Reinventing Yourself Shouldn’t Be So Hard

Lorraine finished her degree. She felt proud. Her graduation was a huge accomplishment.

But the process left her tired. She worked harder than she needed to. The systems around her made learning feel like a fight.

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Older Learners Belong Too

Older students are not rare. They are part of today’s classrooms. Schools need to treat them as equals, not exceptions.

Lifelong learning is more than a phrase. It’s the path many people now take. Systems must change so that path feels possible.

Finishing school later in life should feel like growth. Not like survival.