Abstract

Life expectancy has increased by 30 years during the past century. By 2150 the percentage of the world’s population over 65 will be 30%, up from 7% at present. A high percentage of older people are actively involved in adult education (Lamdin and Fugate, 1997, p. 85). During the United Nations International Year of Older Persons (1999) the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), with EU SOCRATES funding, undertook a study of its education work with members of St. Michael's Parish Active Retirement Association, a group of older local residents. The aim of the research was to identify the learning outcomes of the programme and how that learning was facilitated. The Irish Museum of Modern Art is housed in the Royal Hospital, Dublin, founded in 1684 by the Viceroy to Charles II as a home for retired soldiers. It continued in that role for almost 250 years. The Irish Government restored the building and it was re-opened as the Irish Museum of Modern Art in 1991.