Inequalities in Older Adults’ Lifelong Learning: How Socio-Economic Status Shapes Participation and Benefits
2024

Inequalities in Lifelong Learning for Older Adults

Sample size: 2508 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Chin Shu Yee, Chua Jolin, Widjaja Nathan, Ang Shannon, Malhotra Rahul

Primary Institution: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Hypothesis

Does socio-economic status moderate the well-being benefits of lifelong learning programs for older adults?

Conclusion

Older adults with lower socio-economic status benefit more from lifelong learning programs but are less likely to participate in them.

Supporting Evidence

  • Older adults with higher educational attainment and occupational prestige had greater participation in lifelong learning.
  • The effects of nonjob-related learning on quality of life were significant for those with lower socio-economic status.

Takeaway

Older people with less money or education can learn a lot from programs, but they often can't join them.

Methodology

The study used multinomial logistic regression and lagged dependent variable regression analyses with inverse probability weight adjustments.

Limitations

The study may not account for all potential selection biases into lifelong learning participation.

Participant Demographics

Singaporeans aged 60 and above.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.0093

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