title: The midlife learner.
abstract: The author reviews the literature regarding midlife adult learners to determine the best educational methods to positively affect retention. Developing hospital-based educational programs will meet the needs of the midlife learner and help retain nurses. Strategies reviewed include intergenerational mentoring, adapting to physiological age-related changes, linking new and prior learning, allowing time to acquire new skills, and deliberate planning for the future.
authors.affiliation: Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA. laughlid@bronsonhg.org
authors.forename: Deborah J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Laughlin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D002321:Career Choice; D004496:Education, Continuing; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007858:Learning; D008016:Life Change Events; D008611:Mentors; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009726:Nurses / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D012570:School Admission Criteria; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods; D014481:United States