Motivations and Perceived Benefits of Older Learners in a Public Continuing Education Program: Influence of Gender, Income, and Health

Abstract

The demographic shift towards an older population combined with the increasing demand for self-reliance and community-based care for the elderly calls for a thorough examination of continuing education programs in local communities as a viable means of promoting successful and active aging. This study examined patterns of older adults’ motivations for, and perceived benefits from, participating in a publicly funded local continuing education program in relationship with their gender, income, and self-perceived general health. Six hundred ninety-nine learners over 60 years old were surveyed. The study found both commonalities as well as distinct patterns of difference due to the influence of gender, income, and health. The results of the study provide validation and additional knowledge to buttress previous studies, while underscoring the necessity for further research on older adults’ participation, motivations, and benefits in the intersection with sociodemographic and health factors. The findings of this study also reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and developing an affordable, accessible, and inclusive continuing education program in local communities for achieving successful and active aging for all.

Acknowledgments

Our sincere appreciation goes to the participants who generously took time to share their information. We thank the school board staff and instructors for their kind cooperation during the data collection period. We also acknowledge the three research assistants (Iris Hartwig, Joycelyn Afrifa, and Jenn Brailsford) who carried out the data collection. This study was funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) (Grant No. 410-009-2255).

Notes

Note. Total number of female participants excludes 3 individuals due to incomplete data.