In this paper, the author notes that lifelong learning is at the confluence of a number of separate streams from the recent past, each of which flows into the broad concept of lifelong learning and brings its own set of concerns that have helped generate a need to consider where the streams are going. These streams, or educational areas, are briefly discussed, focusing on various past and present changes in each area: adult education; postsecondary education; continuing and extension education; continuing education in the professions; career education, education and work, recurrent education; adult vocational education; community education; libraries and museums; the media; research; and foreign development. Concluding remarks cover suggestions for dealing with the problem of fragmentation in adult education and for building a unified adult education foundation. (EM)