This bookpresents a synopsis of six emerging themes in adult mathematics/numeracy and acritical discussion of recent developments in terms of policies, provisions, andthe emerging challenges, paradoxes and tensions. It also offers an extensivereview of the literature adult mathematics education. Why do adults want tolearn mathematics? Did they enjoy mathematics at school so much that they wantto continue? NO! Most of these adults have to learn mathematics because it ispart of a formal qualification they need, because their job demands the abilityto apply mathematics, or because they need basic numeracy in their daily lives.Lastly, the authors discuss five potential strategies to promote lifelonglearning of mathematics among adult learners.