Types of Learning Activities and Life Satisfaction among Older Adults in Urban Community-Based Lifelong Learning Programs

ABSTRACT

Education, lifelong learning activities, and well-being are positively associated. However, significantly less is known about types of learning activities such as participation in organized adult education programs and self-learning among older adults in the same context. Data from 420 older adults from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) were analyzed. Results showed that additional participation in organized education programs was positively associated with life satisfaction among OLLI members. Given the beneficial effects of additional participation in organized adult education programs on life satisfaction, older learners are encouraged to be engaged in more learning activities.

KEYWORDS:

• Happiness
• lifelong learning
• subjective well-being
• successful aging