scholarly journals MOTIVATION TO LEARN, LITERACY, NUMERACY, AND LATER-LIFE ADULT EDUCATION PARTICIPATION IN THE U.S.

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S664-S664
Author(s):  
Takashi Yamashita ◽  
Phyllis Cummins ◽  
Roberto J Millar ◽  
Shalini Sahoo ◽  
Thomas J Smith

Abstract The objective of this study is to examine the associations between the motivation to learn, basic skills (i.e., literacy and numeracy), and organized formal and non-formal adult education and training (AET) participation among middle-aged and older adults in the U.S. Rapid technological advancement and globalization requires that adults engage in lifelong learning to actively participate in society. However, little is known about the roles of motivation to learn and basic skills in AET participation among aging adults in the U.S. We obtained restricted data from the 2012/2014 Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies, and included adults aged 50 years and older (n = 2,580) in the analysis. Structural equation models were used to examine (1) any AET, (2) formal AET and (3) non-formal AET participation as a function of the latent construct of motivation to learn, literacy and numeracy scores (0 – 500), and covariates. Per the confirmatory factor analysis, the motivation to learn latent construct was a valid measure among the older adults. Results from the structural equation models showed that the motivation to learn (b = 0.35, p < 0.05), literacy (b = 0.05, p < 0.05) and numeracy (b = 0.03, p < 0.05) are all positive predictors of non-formal AET participation. However, only motivation to learn (b = 0.47, p < 0.05) is associated with formal AET participation. Findings from this study inform future interventions as well as policy changes to promote specific types of organized AET programs among the aging populations in the U.S.

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 330-330
Author(s):  
Shalini Sahoo ◽  
Roberto Millar ◽  
Taka Yamashita ◽  
Phyllis Cummins

Abstract Education and training over the life course or lifelong learning has become critical in the fast-changing U.S. society. Foundation skills (e.g., literacy), motivation, curiosity, as well as access to learning opportunities are essential to promote lifelong learning. Despite the importance of these promoting factors, empirical research focusing on complex relationships between literacy skills, immigration and motivation to learn (MtL) among middle-aged and older adults is scarce. The objective of this study is to examine how literacy skills and immigration (vs. U.S. born) are associated with MtL among middle-aged and older adults in the U.S. Nationally representative data (n = 8,670) of adults aged 45 years and older were obtained from the 2012/2014 Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). Structural equation models were constructed to examine the formerly tested and validated latent MtL construct based on four 5-point Likert-type scale items among the sub-population of interest. Results showed that higher literacy skills (0-500 points; b = 0.002, p < 0.05) was associated with greater MtL. Additionally, immigrants were less likely (b = -0.114, p < 0.05) to have greater MtL than those who are non-immigrants (i.e. U.S. born). Higher literacy skills may indicate positive experiences in previous adult education and training and greater readiness for further learning. Findings from this study provide new empirical evidence of lifelong learning determinants. Educators and researchers should be aware of limited literacy and being an immigrant as potential barriers to knowledge-seeking in later life.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 34-35
Author(s):  
Christina Marini ◽  
Lynn Martire ◽  
Orfeu Buxton

Abstract Pathways through which spousal support and strain influence older adults’ well-being are poorly understood. We examined sleep quality and loneliness as mechanisms through which support and strain predict depressive symptoms across ten years utilizing National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project data. Our sample included partnered participants at waves 1 and 2 (N = 1,293; 39% female, M age = 66, SD = 6.93). Support (e.g., rely on spouse) and strain (e.g., spouse criticizes you) were measured at W1, loneliness (UCLA) and sleep quality (restless sleep) were measured at W2, and depression (CES-D) was measured at W3. We estimated latent-variable structural equation models, controlling for age, gender, and W1 depression. Indirect effects of support and strain on depressive symptoms through loneliness were significant. There was an additional trend-level indirect effect of spousal strain on depressive symptoms through restless sleep. Findings highlight multiple pathways through which marital quality predicts later-life well-being.


2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 538-552
Author(s):  
Takashi Yamashita ◽  
Phyllis A. Cummins ◽  
Roberto J. Millar ◽  
Shalini Sahoo ◽  
Thomas J. Smith

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 952-953
Author(s):  
Shalini Sahoo ◽  
Takashi Yamashita ◽  
Roberto Millar ◽  
Phyllis Cummins

Abstract Lifelong learning or continuing education over the life course has become necessary to navigate a rapidly changing technological landscape. Motivation to learn (MtL) is essential for facilitating lifelong learning. In the U.S., most of the educational opportunities are available in English. Moreover, little is known about associations between being multilingual and MtL across the life stages. This study analyzed nationally representative data from the 2012/2014/2017 Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) restricted use file (RUF). Using a previously established latent MtL construct, structural equation models were estimated by four age groups --- 25-34 (n = 2,310); 35-44 (n = 1,610); 45-54 (n = 1,670); and 55 and older (n = 2,620). Results showed that being multilingual was associated with greater MtL among younger age groups, including age 25-34 (b = 0.20, p = 0.01) and 35-44 (b = 0.28, p < 0.001), after adjusting for the demographic, socioeconomic and health characteristics of individuals. Multilingualism was not associated with MtL among older age groups, including 45-54 (b = 0.06, p = 0.50) and 55 and older (b = 0.13, p = 0.19). Findings suggest that education policies that target younger multilingual adults are likely to be effective while enhancing MtL of monolingual (i.e., English-speaking only) adults seems to be a necessary first step. Yet, a similar approach may not be effective for older adults, arguably due to more diverse life circumstances, educational needs, and learning style preferences. More detailed interpretations of empirical results and theoretical explanations are needed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S806-S806
Author(s):  
Alicia Riley

Abstract This study examines regional disparities in later life health from a life course perspective. To sort out when and how region influences health over the life course, I focus on the sharp contrast between the South and the rest of the U.S. in health and mortality. I draw on data from the National Life Health and Aging Project (NSHAP), a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling older adults in the U.S., to estimate the differential risk of multiple health outcomes and mortality by regional trajectory. I find that older adults who leave the South are worse off in multiple outcomes than those who stay. I also find evidence of a protective health effect of community cohesion and dense social networks for the Southerners who stay in the South. My results suggest that regional trajectory influences health in later life through its associations with socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and social rootedness.


2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 1824-1848 ◽  
Author(s):  
XUE BAI ◽  
KAM HUNG ◽  
DANIEL W. L. LAI

ABSTRACTLife satisfaction is an important indicator of wellbeing and successful ageing, while boosting life satisfaction in later life has long been a policy and service challenge. Based on a questionnaire survey with 415 Chinese older adults aged 60 years and over in Hong Kong, this study examined how older adults' travel motivations influenced their travel actions and how the travel affected their life satisfaction using structural equation modelling. A proposed ‘travel motivation–action–life satisfaction’ model showed an acceptable fit with the data. It was found that travel motivations stimulated older adults' travel actions, while their travels further contributed to greater life satisfaction. The findings of this study indicated the need for improved knowledge and understanding of older adults' travel preferences and requirements, and highlight the importance of enhancing awareness among professionals and service providers about the benefit of travelling in enhancing life satisfaction of older adults.


2006 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 225-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
HOWARD LITWIN ◽  
SHARON SHIOVITZ-EZRA

This paper reports a study of the complex associations between older people's participation in activities and their wellbeing in later life using data from a national sample of 1,334 Jewish-Israeli retirees. Confirmatory factor analysis substantiated a division of the activities into solitary, formal and informal categories, as postulated by activity theory. The outcome measure, the latent construct wellbeing, was compiled from scores on the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), a global measure of life satisfaction, and a measure of satisfaction with the use of time. The analysis also examined the influence of socio-economic status, health status and the quality of inter-personal relationships. ‘Social relationship quality’, also a latent construct, was a composite of measures of satisfaction with children, friends and neighbours and a self-rated loneliness scale. Path analysis using structural equation modelling was employed. The results showed that when the quality of social relationships was taken into account, the amount of activity had no independent effect on the respondents' wellbeing. Moreover, it was social relationship quality, a facet of informal activity that has generally been neglected in activity research, that emerged as the most influential variable in the association between activity and wellbeing. Thus, the findings provide empirical backing for the assertion that the quality of social ties matters more than activity participation per se as predictors of a good old age.


2021 ◽  
pp. 016402752110637
Author(s):  
Antonio V. Martín-García ◽  
Rosa Redolat ◽  
Sacramento Pinazo-Hernandis

The use of digital technology by older adults has improved in recent years in response to the need for their functional adaptation to an increasingly technological social context. Understanding this type of technological adaptation has recently become an important field of inquiry in both social and gerontological studies. Working within this framework, the aim of this study is to identify the main determinants that influence the intention of older people to use digital technology in their daily lives, using the Technological Acceptance Model. A study was carried out with the participation of 1155 people over 65 years of age in Spain. Confirmatory Factor Analysis and structural equation models (SEM) were performed. The results show that the TAM is a useful model to explain the intention of older adults to use Digital Technology, showing a high predictive power, highlighting Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use as the main predictor variables.


2018 ◽  
Vol 225 ◽  
pp. 702-708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth C. Pino ◽  
Karla Damus ◽  
Brian Jack ◽  
David Henderson ◽  
Snezana Milanovic ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432110020
Author(s):  
Peiyi Lu ◽  
Dexia Kong ◽  
Mack Shelley

Objectives: This study investigated the predictors of risk perception and its effect on older adults’ preventive behavior and/or medical care avoidance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Older respondents (age >50 years) from the MIT COVID-19 Preventive Health Survey reported their social distancing, hand washing, mask wearing, and medical care avoidance between July and October 2020 ( n = 4395). Structural equation models were used. Results: Significant predictors of higher risk perception were female gender, older age, poorer health, city residency, personally knowing someone who had COVID-19, and correct knowledge of vaccine/treatment. Higher risk perception was subsequently associated with higher frequency/probability of practicing preventive behavior and/or avoiding medical care. Knowledge had the strongest path coefficient with risk perception. Discussion: Disseminating correct information to older adults could help them evaluate infection risk accurately. Educational programs on the precautions implemented at clinical settings to ensure patient safety may encourage older adults to seek timely medical care.


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