Dear Abby: At 74, am I too old for college?

Greetings, Abby

I am 74 years old, married for 52 years, and we are parenting our adopted 8-year-old great-granddaughter. Our lives are filled with learning and adventure. I want to get a college degree, and I now have the means and chance to do so. My spouse is totally on board.

Studying special education is something I’d like to do. Given that our child has special needs, I’m not sure if this would be a career endeavor or just a matter of learning. Am I crazy for going for this? Due to time and energy constraints related to my studies, my social life with friends may change. FUTURE IOWA STUDENTS

Greetings, student

You seem to understand completely the sacrifices you will need to make in order to accomplish your objective. Your absence is just temporary, and true friends will understand. I wish you well in your quest and commend your determination to finish your degree in a field that will enable your great-granddaughter to achieve success.

** ** **

Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. Get in touch with Dear Abby via P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069, or at www.DearAbby.com.******

Order How to Be Popular for a great manual on how to become a more gregarious and better conversationalist. Please send a check or money order for $8 (U.S. cash) to Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447, along with your name and mailing address. (The price includes shipping and handling.)

More Advice

• Dear Abby: My daughter lives rent-free as my caretaker. Should her brothers help, too?

• Dear Abby: I don t want to go crawling back again after leaving abusive ex

• Dear Annie: His daughters steal from me, and he won t believe it

• Dear Abby: Mom s just too old and fat to wear the same clothes I do

• Dear Abby: Is it wrong to back out of my friend s cancer fundraiser? She has terrible spending habits.