The Significance of Learning for Aging

Improving older adults' e-health literacy through computer training using NIH online resources

“…The growing literature on lifelong learning has reached a consensus that learning is important for the well-being of older adults (Boulton-Lewis, Buys, & Lovie-Kitchin, 2006; Dench & Regan, 2000; Duay & Bryan, 2006; Purdie & Boulton-Lewis, 2003; Schneider, 2003; World Health Organization, 2002; Xie, 2006; Xie & Jaeger, 2008b). Improving health literacy requires an understanding of health literacy as an active, lifelong learning process that goes beyond formal educational settings in early life stages and features continuous learning of new, valid information, and unlearning of outdated, harmful information (Kickbusch, 2004).…”

Public library computer training for older adults to access high-quality Internet health information

“…This perspective resonates with the growing literature on lifelong learning, which has reached a consensus that learning is important for the well-being of older adults (World Health Organization, 2002). Research shows that learning in later life can compensate for negative changes associated with the aging process (Hooyman & Kiyak, 1999; Schneider, 2003), and help older adults stay physically and mentally healthy and socially active (Dench & Regan, 2000; Duay & Bryan, 2006; Purdie & Boulton-Lewis, 2003). Computer learning can provide great opportunities for personal growth, which is a key indicator of psychological well-being (Ryff, 1989; Ryff & Keyes, 1995).…”

How Aged Women Remember Their Life-Long/Life-Wide Learning: Making the Best of Life

“…Glastra, Hake, & Schedler (2004) use the term ''transitional learning'' in a similar way. The expanded concept of life-long=life-wide learning makes visible the learning of aged people (see for example, Schneider, 2003, Kim & Merriam, 2004, and others who continue their learning in settings other than paid work (see, for example, Baird, 1999;Bennetts, 2001). As a consequence, it is imperative that those who work with aged people have ways of understanding and engaging with their clients' life-long=life-wide learning.…”