Knowlton was also taken with institutions in Scandinavia, called folk schools. There, he saw older adults handing down age-old traditions - folk art, music, lore and dance - to younger generations.

Seeing Europeans in their 60s, 70s and 80s playing an active and positive role in their communities made Knowlton wonder why their American counterparts didn't have a similar opportunity to remain active after retirement. And, why not give them continued opportunities to learn as well?

Back in the U.S., Knowlton shared stories of his travels with Bianco, then director of residential life at the University of New Hampshire. Why should older Americans be expected to disappear quietly into a mundane retirement.

Bianco, after hearing about Knowlton's experiences, said, in a burst of enthusiasm: "This campus ought not to be having a youth hostel, it ought to be having an elder hostel." And the name was born. A series of sometimes heated discussions followed, and a learning program was conceived that combined stimulating not-for-credit classes on a wide variety of subjects with comfortable, inexpensive lodgings.

In the summer of 1975, five colleges and universities in New Hampshire offered the first Elderhostel programs to 220 "pioneer" participants. In 1980, based almost entirely on word-of-mouth promotion, more than 20,000 participants took programs in all 50 states and most Canadian provinces. Riding this growing wave of enthusiasm, Elderhostel offered its first international programs in 1981 in Mexico, Great Britain, and Scandinavia.

These first international programs were a breakthrough for Elderhostel. Combining education with travel to foster experiential learning, they afforded participants the opportunity to discover the people, culture, environment, and history of the countries visited through in-depth lectures, course-related field trips, cultural excursions, and extracurricular activities.

Over the years, Elderhostel has responded to its rapid growth by developing innovative approaches to lifelong learning. For example, Intergenerational programs pair grandparents with their grandchildren for shared learning adventures. Service Programs offer participants the chance to volunteer with numerous worthy causes around the world. Adventures Afloat programs turn ships and barges into floating classrooms that take participants into the world's most fascinating waters. Exploring North America programs pursue American themes and itineraries across the diverse cultural and natural landscapes of the US & Canada.

Elderhostel is America's first and the world's largest education and travel organization for adults 55 and over. Nearly 8,000 programs are offered each year in about 90 countries.