The Extent to Which Ageism Has Affected Lifelong Learning Settings: Perspectives From Practitioners in Taiwan

2021 ◽  
pp. 074171362110266
Author(s):  
Yi-Hui Liu ◽  
Pei-Ju Chao ◽  
Juliet H. Fried ◽  
Tsu-Hsuan Hsu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lifelong Learning ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Age Discrimination ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Active Aging ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Older Learners ◽  
Attitudes Toward Older Adults ◽  
High Level

As of 2018, Taiwan had a population of approximately 23.5 million people, of which 14% had reached 65 years old. To promote healthy and active aging for Taiwanese older adults, the Lifelong Learning Act was amended in 2018 in order to support older adults in terms of their personal development and leisure opportunities. The primary goal of the study was to explore the attitudes toward older adults and ageist behaviors shown by Taiwanese lifelong learning practitioners, including faculty members, lecturers, and volunteers. The results showed that Taiwanese lifelong learning practitioners, especially faculty members, had a high level of benevolent ageist attitudes toward older adults. However, associations between demographic factors on ageist behaviors were inconsistent. The findings of the study provide suggestions and research directions for the purpose of building a better age discrimination-free lifelong learning environment for current and prospective older learners.

scholarly journals A Case Study of Active Aging through Lifelong Learning: Psychosocial Interpretation of Older Adult Participation in Evening Schools in Korea

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 9232
Author(s):  
Ilseon Choi ◽  
Sung Ran Cho
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Lifelong Learning ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Active Aging ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Adult Participation ◽  
Older Adult Learners

Lifelong learning is a key element of the conceptual framework of active aging. To understand how older adults experience active aging through participation in lifelong learning, the authors conducted a qualitative case study. The research participants were older adult learners attending evening schools aiming to pass the equivalency examination. Data were collected primarily using semi-structured interviews with five older adult learners, and additional data were collected from relevant documents. Data analysis and thematic discussion provided insights into how older adults experience active aging by participating in lifelong learning. Data analysis identified themes of overcoming limited education, taking the equivalency examination, and evolving goals. Thematic discussion revealed that older adults began learning to meet deficiency needs; however, they developed their goals after attending evening schools and passing the equivalency examination. In addition, lifelong learning is an indispensable element of active aging not only because learning is good for older adults’ wellbeing, as reported in the literature, but also because older adults become more active in the systemic change of their environment and in the setting goals for their lives.

Older Lifelong Learners’ Motivations for Participating in Formal Volunteer Activities in Urban Communities

2017 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takashi Yamashita ◽  
Erick B. López ◽  
Marta Soligo ◽  
Jennifer R. Keene
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Lifelong Learning ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lifelong Learners ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Learning Programs

In recent years, volunteering has received increasing attention as a unique form of learning, one which may complement lifelong learning programs for older adults. This study examined the underlying volunteer motivations as well as formal volunteer behaviors among older adult lifelong learners. Data from 277 members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in an urban community in the western part of the United States were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and binary logistic regression models. Results showed that generativity (i.e., a desire to help next generations or communities), personal development, and well-being are salient underlying volunteer motivators. However, only generativity was associated with actual volunteering among older lifelong learners (odds ratio = 1.55; standard error = .17; p < .05). These findings suggested that existing lifelong learning programs might consider incorporating volunteer-based service learning components into their curricula in order to further promote the benefits of lifelong learning among older adults.

scholarly journals Lifelong learning in active ageing discourse: its conserving effect on wellbeing, health and vulnerability

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 651-675 ◽  
Author(s):  
MIYA NARUSHIMA ◽  
JIAN LIU ◽  
NAOMI DIESTELKAMP
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lifelong Learning ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Global Strategy ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
General Interest ◽  
Active Ageing ◽  
Older Learners ◽  
Fully Integrated

ABSTRACTThe Active Ageing Framework has been adapted as a global strategy in ageing policies, practices and research over the last decade. Lifelong learning, however, has not been fully integrated into this discourse. Using survey data provided by 416 adults (aged 60 years and above) enrolled in non-formal general-interest courses in a public continuing education programme in Canada, this study examined the association between older adults’ duration of participation in the courses and their level of psychological wellbeing, while taking their age, gender, self-rated health and vulnerability level into consideration. An analytical framework was developed based on the literature of old-age vulnerabilities and the benefits of lifelong learning. Two logistic regression and trend analyses were conducted. The results indicate that older adults’ participation is independently and positively associated with their psychological wellbeing, even among those typically classified as ‘vulnerable’. This result provides additional evidence that suggests the continuous participation in non-formal lifelong learning may help sustain older adults’ psychological wellbeing. It provides older learners, even those who are most vulnerable, with a compensatory strategy to strengthen their reserve capacities, allowing them to be autonomous and fulfilled in their everyday life. The result of this study highlights the value of the strategic and unequivocal promotion of community-based non-formal lifelong learning opportunities for developing inclusive, equitable and caring active ageing societies.

The Impact of TimeSlips on Undergraduate Students in Service Learning With Older Adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Sabine Heuer
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Attitude Scale ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Attitudes Toward Older Adults ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Attitude Shift ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Journal Entries

Purpose Future speech-language pathologists are often unprepared in their academic training to serve the communicative and cognitive needs of older adults with dementia. While negative attitudes toward older adults are prevalent among undergraduate students, service learning has been shown to positively affect students' attitudes toward older adults. TimeSlips is an evidence-based approach that has been shown to improve health care students' attitudes toward older adults. The purpose of this study is to explore the change in attitudes in speech-language pathology students toward older adults using TimeSlips in service learning. Method Fifty-one students participated in TimeSlips service learning with older adults and completed the Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS) before and after service learning. In addition, students completed a reflection journal. The DAS data were analyzed using nonparametric statistics, and journal entries were analyzed using a qualitative analysis approach. Results The service learners exhibited a significant increase in positive attitude as indexed on the DAS. The reflective journal entries supported the positive change in attitudes. Conclusions A noticeable attitude shift was indexed in reflective journals and on the DAS. TimeSlips is an evidence-based, patient-centered approach well suited to address challenges in the preparation of Communication Sciences and Disorders students to work with the growing population of older adults.

A Factor Structure for Social and Personal Development Outcomes in College

NASPA Journal ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Graham ◽  
Irv Cockriel
Keyword(s):  
Personal Development ◽  
College Attendance ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Public Concern ◽  
College Administrators ◽  
College Outcomes ◽  
Development Outcomes ◽  
Social Gain ◽  
Self Examination ◽  
The Impact

The issues of accountability and increased public concern have contributed to widespread institutional self-examination and to a greater emphasis placed on assessing the impact of college attendance. This study focuses on 36 items in the ACT College Outcomes Survey to identify specific areas of personal and social gain where students percieved colleges to have the greatest impact. Identification of these general constructs provides guidance for college administrators and faculty members on areas where the colleges can focus their attention to achieve their greatest impact.

scholarly journals Ageism on Campus: Opportunities to Include Age in Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 7-7
Author(s):  
Cassandra Barragan ◽  
Stephanie Wladkowski
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Students ◽  
Leadership Positions ◽  
Older Learners ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Diversity And Inclusion ◽  
Midwestern University ◽  
Barriers And Opportunities ◽  
The Many ◽  
The University

Abstract Diversity and inclusion are essential perspectives on university campuses. In recent years, there has been a nationwide decline in admissions resulting in changes to traditionally FTIAC driven college campuses. An environmental scan was completed at a mid-sized midwestern university to explore age-inclusive barriers and opportunities for change. In-depth interviews were held with 28 EMU stakeholders representing a wide variety of ages in leadership positions across campus. Students aged 40 and above (N=248) were also surveyed about their experiences on campus. Qualitative analysis revealed ageist attitudes about older adults and older students from at all levels of the university. Results demonstrate that initial responses to ‘age-friendly’ focused on stereotypes of older adults, but attitudes adjusted when reframed as older learners and further refined when older learners were defined as 40 and above. Additionally, there was a distinct disconnect between ageist perceptions towards older adults and older students which highlights the importance of intergenerational opportunities as an approach to combat ageist attitudes on campus. While these barriers require long-term and complicated solutions, participants described the many benefits that older learners bring to enrich the campus. Results of this research revealed opportunities to reframe aging in the context of diversity and inclusion efforts on campus. Adopting diversity efforts to include age can benefit universities in not only admissions, classroom experiences, and connections to surrounding communities.

Probabilistic Rule Learning Systems

2021 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Abdus Salam ◽  
Rolf Schwitter ◽  
Mehmet A. Orgun
Keyword(s):  
Probability Theory ◽  
Rule Learning ◽  
Background Knowledge ◽  
Learning Systems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
System Architectures ◽  
Probabilistic Rule ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
High Level

This survey provides an overview of rule learning systems that can learn the structure of probabilistic rules for uncertain domains. These systems are very useful in such domains because they can be trained with a small amount of positive and negative examples, use declarative representations of background knowledge, and combine efficient high-level reasoning with the probability theory. The output of these systems are probabilistic rules that are easy to understand by humans, since the conditions for consequences lead to predictions that become transparent and interpretable. This survey focuses on representational approaches and system architectures, and suggests future research directions.

scholarly journals Beyond Religiosity: A Model to Explain Spirituality Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 413-414
Author(s):  
Carlyn Vogel ◽  
Debra Dobbs ◽  
Brent Small
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Good Life ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
College Experience ◽  
The United States ◽  
Strong Connection ◽  
Deep Appreciation ◽  
The World ◽  
High Level

Abstract Spirituality is difficult to define as researchers assign it different meanings and individuals’ perceptions can vary. For example, spirituality may connect to religiosity, while others consider religiosity a less significant part of spirituality. This study investigates factors outside of religiosity that are significantly associated with spirituality to inform the characteristics of the concept. Webster’s (2004) existential framework of spirituality was used to guide variable selection. The National Survey of Midlife in the United States wave three (MIDUS 3; 2013-2014; n = 2,594; Mage = 63.5, SD = 11, range = 39–92) was used to examine individuals’ reported levels of spirituality. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to examine factors related to low and high levels of spirituality compared to a moderate level. Participants with low spirituality were more likely to be male, less likely to be mindful, mediate/chant, feel a strong connection to all life, to indicate that they cannot make sense of the world, and to be religious. Participants with high spirituality were more likely to be female, have at least some college experience, be mindful, meditate/chant, feel deep inner peace, have a sense of deep appreciation, think that a sense of purpose is important for a good life, and have a high level of religiosity. Framed by Webster’s conceptual model, the current study observed that religiosity is significantly associated with spirituality and that other mindfulness-based aspects are also present within this concept. Incorporating mindfulness with religious efforts will more accurately and holistically address spirituality.

scholarly journals Carebots

2016 ◽  
Vol 138 (09) ◽  
pp. S8-S13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thiago Marinho ◽  
Christopher Widdowson ◽  
Amy Oetting ◽  
Arun Lakshmanan ◽  
Hang Cui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Multidisciplinary Approach ◽  
Human Perception ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Robot System ◽  
Perceived Safety ◽  
High Level ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Flying Robots

This article demonstrates a multidisciplinary approach that proposes to augment future caregiving by prolonged independence of older adults. The human–robot system allows the elderly to cooperate with small flying robots through an appropriate interface. ASPIRE provides a platform where high-level controllers can be designed to provide a layer of abstraction between the high-level task requests, the perceptual needs of the users, and the physical demands of the robotic platforms. With a robust framework that has the capability to account for human perception and comfort level, one can provide perceived safety for older adults, and further, add expressively that facilitates communication and interaction continuously throughout the stimulation. The proposed framework relies on an iterative process of low-level controllers design through experimental data collected from psychological trials. Future work includes the exploration of multiple carebots to cooperatively assist in caregiving tasks based on human-centered design approach.

Attitudes Toward Older Adults Using Technology Vignette Measure

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ittay Mannheim ◽  
Eveline J. M. Wouters ◽  
Leonieke C. van Boekel ◽  
Yvonne van Zaalen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Attitudes Toward Older Adults
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