Most economists realize that one of the largest underlying challenges that the U.S. and other developed economies face is aging populations. People live longer than they used to, expenses(health care) especially for older people have grown significantly, and the population bubble of Baby Boomers are now reaching age 65. It is obviously a major issue of political debate- how and who will pay for all this?

UL offers solutions:
By returning to college in your 50's, you will improve your mental, physical and emotional health and extend the time you can contribute to society, doing the things you love to do most. While you are doing this for yourself, you are also helping society and future generations.

You surround yourself with both young people and with an energetic social peer group with a passion for contributing to the future and making a difference.
You continue to keep challenging your mind by learning new things. You are exercising your brain- perhaps the best known way to fend off Alzheimer's.
You are in a social community that participates in the 100's of physical activities available on university campuses.
You develop social and/or personal relationships with like minded others, which most will agree helps prevent depression, anxiety and loneliness.

By improving your physical and mental health, you are reducing the social cost burden for health care for future generations.
By downsizing and reducing your consumption and carbon footprint, you are conserving natural resources for the future.
By developing an encore career, you are extending your personal engagement in life and contributing to society longer in meaningful and purposeful ways.

Wiki Social Security  " In 2004 the U.S. Social Security system paid out almost $500 billion in benefits.^[4] By dollars paid, the U.S. Social Security program is the largest government program in the world and the single greatest expenditure in the federal budget, with 20.8% for social security, compared to 20.5% for discretionary defense and 20.1% for Medicare/Medicaid.^[5] Social Security is currently the largest social insurance program in the U.S., constituting 37% of government expenditure and 7% of the gross domestic product^[6] and is currently estimated to keep roughly 40% of all Americans age 65 or older out of poverty.^[7]

The word university is derived from the Latin universitas magistrorum et scholarium, roughly meaning "community of teachers and scholars".^[1]
Will changing demographics, structural changes in the economy and new ( synchronous and asynchronous) technology create a need for universities to innovate and redefine themselves as a community of teachers, scholars, businesses, civic partners and social entrepreneurs? Is there an opportunity to bring those in their mid life back to school full time, to reinvent themselves and create new forms of business?

With the recent decline in housing prices, savings and pension plans, it may not be a matter of choice for some who wish for a traditional retirement. Many don't have a sustainable financial plan based on their current understanding of the cost and options for retirement lifestyles.


Separating College Costs from Living Costs.
Many immediately and appropriately associate a "high cost" with going to college. Typical 4 year costs are in the $120,000 to $150,000 range, according to the 2008 College Board Trends in College Pricing. However, when you dissect these costs, students often have lower living expenses than most others. Figure 1 of shows living costs for room, food, books, supplies, transportation and other expenses in the in the $10,000 to $12,000 per year range.


Our country needs to deal with the impact of changing demographics and economic structural changes. Over the next 20 years, the total U.S. population is projected to grow from 310 million to 373 million people, a gain of 63 million. The traditional working age of people 18-64 years old is projected to grow by 19 million, while those under 18 will increase by 13 million and those over 65 will increase by 32 million. Will the 19 million in the working age group be able to support the additional 45 million additional dependents?

Some suggest that we keep older people working longer, right? However, if older people do not exit the workforce, there is a need to create that many more jobs. Each year, 4 million of our youth enter the workforce, while 3.5 million older people are expected to retire. If they do retire, we need to create the net difference of 500,000 jobs/year. If they don't retire, we need to create 4.0 million new jobs per year, just to break even.

Some major economic structural changes that have occurred over the past 50 or 60 years.
    In 1946, only 6% of the population had graduated from college, compared with 30% now.
    In 1946, only 30% of the population had graduated from high school, compared with 85% now.
    In 1946, 40% of the population worked as farmers, and 28% in manufacturing, compared with 1% and 10%, respectively, now.


Who wouldn't want to become a social entrepreneur, and work the second half of life engaged in doing what they love, while contributing towards making the world a better place! But how many can afford to do this? And where do you go to start? Do you have to do this alone?
Not anymore! UL creates the structure, low cost, high impact living to achieve it.

The need for action is more urgent than ever. With the recent economic downturn, increasing unemployment, declining property values and slashed retirement savings, many may not desire or be able to "retire". Recessions often accelerate structural unemployment changing the ability of mid lifers to remain functional. Employment in farming or manufacturing has vaporized, and won't be returning. Youth is not prepared to support an aging society of 78 million retired, non contributing baby boomers, with irrelevant skills.