Funded Research

As Seen Through Their Eyes: The Learning Needs of Ontario Elders

January 2009

By Pat Spadafora
Sheridan Elder Research Centre (SERC)
Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

Overview

Executive Summary (PDF 19 KB)

Full Report (PDF 3 MB)

This study investigated the learning needs, interests and learning styles of Ontarians 65 years or older as seen through their eyes. This work was guided by evidence that learning in later life has significant benefits for seniors on their quality of life, which in turn improves health outcomes. Improved health outcomes can lessen the demand that will be placed on an already over-taxed health-care system. Given the aging of the Canadian population, understanding their learning needs and preferences is essential to effectively create and maintain programs that support learning in later life. A ‘snapshot’ of learning opportunities available to older adults was developed and analyzed to determine the extent of congruence between learning preferences as expressed by older adults and what, in fact, exists.

Our findings showed that the ability and desire to learn does not diminish with age and that health challenges don’t necessarily impede an interest in learning. Study participants emphasized that learning opportunities exist in everyday living and not just in formal settings. Despite this interest in lifelong learning, we discovered that there are very real barriers to participation faced by many older Ontarians. The built environment, especially transportation, posed barriers for some. For others, there were health challenges faced by both participants and their families that impeded opportunities to learn. Technology was reported to be another barrier: In an increasingly technological society, there are still too many older persons who are at risk of being marginalized by technology.

 

This study investigated the learning needs, interests and learning styles of Ontarians 65 years or older as seen through their eyes. This work was guided by evidence that learning in later life has significant benefits for seniors on their quality of life, which in turn improves health outcomes.

Cette étude explore les besoins éducatifs, les intérêts et les styles d’apprentissage des Ontariens de plus de 65 ans selon leur propre perspective. Ce travail a été guidé par des données probantes selon