Board members of community colleges need to carefully consider and actively support feasible programs for older people with a firm commitment to fiscal and programmatic decisions assuring lifelong learning opportunities and public service activities. Trustees must be aware of and understand problems and issues of older adults, secure data for decision-making, and implement policies and action programs. There are many benefits to be derived from implementing older people programs from the standpoint of the community college, the elderly themselves, and society in general. For the community college, an institution ideally suited to providing these services, such programs support college philosophy, open new markets, add a dimension to the educational enrichment of younger students, serve as a recruiting method, and contribute to good community relations. For the elderly themselves, special programs are their right as taxpayers, give them an outlet to contribute, aid emotional health, promote productivity and adjustment to life changes, provide outlets for leisure, and meet social needs. From the standpoint of the economy and society in general, these programs help accommodate congressional and state legislation, such as lifelong learning bills and age discrimination acts. All census data show that a total of 42 million Americans are over age 55 and the number is growing. (RC)