Participation In Educational Activities By Active Older Adults

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of participation in educational activities by active older adults and to describe the educational needs addressed by their present participation and their future learning needs. Information was gathered from 786 active older adults using the Srole Anomia Scale, the Life Satisfaction Index A, the Fisher Self-Directed Learning Index, and questions about demographics and participation in educational activities by respondents. Significant statistical relationships were found between participation and level of educational attainment, anomia, propensity to engage in self-directed learning activities, and awareness of learning needs. Awareness of sites where educational activities were available was found to be the best predictor of participation. Approximately three-fourths of the learning needs identified could be described as "expressive."

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