Lifelong Education, Quality of Life and Self-Efficacy of Chinese Older Adults

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the relationships between lifelong learning, quality of life, and self-efficacy of older adults. One thousand and three participants of a lifelong educational program participated; the mean age was 50.6 (SD = 7.8, range: 18–78). Findings revealed that the patterns of study established a positive association with quality of life, but a negative correlation with their psychosomatic complaints. It also found that the more respondents enrolled in courses, the more somatic complaints they suffered. Multiple regression analysis models indicate that the determinants of good quality of life in older adult learners aged 60 and over were good self-efficacy and the continuation of study after graduation.

Acknowledgments

This research project was financially subsidized by The Open University of Hong Kong, and the research protocols were approved by the institutional review board of the University. Special thanks to Dr. Wai Hing Cheuk, Ms. Candy Wong, John B. Smithback, and Ching Yee Smithback for their professional advice on our project and manuscript.

Notes

*Unknown: 15 (1.5%).

^a χ² = 19.6, df = 2, p < .001.

^b F = 8.19, df = 2, p < .001.

^c χ² = 15.8, df = 2, p < .001.

^d p = n.s.

^a F = 5.21, df = 2, 983, p < .01.

^b t = 3.04, df = 984, p < .01.

^c F = 4.39, df = 2, 980, p < .05.

^d F = 7.32, df = 1, 982, p < .01.

^a F = 3.16, df = 2, 983, p < .05.

^b t = 2.84, df = 984, p < .01.

^c p = n.s.

***p < .001; **p < .01; *p < .05.

Model 1: All respondents were involved in the analysis (N = 1,003).

Model 2: Only involve those respondents aged below 60 (n = 879).

Model 3: Only involve those respondents aged 60 and over (n = 109).