Popular misconceptions about creativity include the following: it is limited to a few unique individuals, it declines seriously with age, and it is associated with uniqueness or innovation. As the focus of creativity research has shifted from examination of the personality traits of creative individuals to examination of the social and environmental factors that affect creativity, thinking about creativity in general and creativity in relation to adult development and aging has changed significantly. Due to increases in life expectancy and the slowing of physical aging, many adults are not reaching their most creative period until after age 50. Furthermore, some research implies that formal schooling may actually hinder rather than foster creative thinking. Several researchers have identified strategies educators can use to help people develop their creative potential: creating a climate that encourages assertion of ideas rather than reliance on order and tradition, creating a safe place for risk taking, and encouraging a spirit of play and experimentation. Personal, social, and environmental barriers to creativity might be overcome by embracing a cross-cultural definition of creativity: finding and shaping one's life perception and telling one's experiences through creative expression. (Contains 17 references) (MN)