| The purpose of this mixed-method, predominantly quantitative, descriptive, exploratory, and explanatory survey research design was to determine the relationship between lifelong learning and life satisfaction in older adults in Taipei Metropolitan, Taiwan. There were 700 surveys distributed at Evergreen Academy sites with a response rate of 72%. Seventy of the 505 surveys were returned incomplete. A total of 435 adults aged 65 and older completed the survey. Of this total, 361 individuals were actively participating in a lifelong learning program while 74 individuals were inactive. These characteristics described the majority of subjects. They were female between the ages of 65-69 years old, married, and living with a spouse. Subjects were retired. Subjects had earned a university or college degree. Subjects reported their monthly monetary spending was "somewhat sufficient". Survey respondents who were currently participating in lifelong learning programs scored significantly higher in self-rated health than those who were not active participants in lifelong learning programs. Survey respondents currently participating in lifelong learning programs scored significantly higher in life satisfaction compared to those who were not active participants. Participants' self-rated health status was positively associated with life satisfaction and was determined to be a significant variable for life satisfaction in older adults. Older adults who reported having the financial status of "very sufficient" and "somewhat sufficient" had significantly higher scores on life satisfaction than those who reported a financial status of "very insufficient." Participants holding a graduate degree had a significantly higher score on life satisfaction than participants reporting junior high school as their highest educational level. For those who participated in lifelong learning programs, an explanatory relationship prevails among self-rated health status, frequency of participation, important reasons for attending, satisfaction with lifelong learning programs, and life satisfaction.;The implications for social welfare policy require attention. There is a critical need to reorganize public and private institutes' strategic plans for the purpose of increasing support systems for lifelong learning programs. It is imperative that the research related to lifelong learning issues be disseminated across cultural borders to include all nations whose goals are to maintain and maximize the well-being of seniors. |
