Motives and barriers affecting participation in lifelong learning activities by older adults

This thesis sought to examine motives and barriers that affect older adult learners' participation in lifelong learning activities. Due to rapid population growth, the senior population is larger than ever before. As a result, it is important to understand various ways to keep seniors engaged and actively aging. This thesis examines aging theories and successful aging models in relation to participation in leisure activities such as lifelong learning activities. This thesis also examines adult education theory of andragogy, a review of types of adult learners, along with, a history of lifelong learning and lifelong learning programs. Data revealed older adult learners consistently cite specific motives and barriers that affect their participation in lifelong learning. This thesis concludes with recommendations to consider specific variables in future program and activity planning, as well as, various ways to continue to keep senior engaged in lifelong learning activities.