Exploring Educational Interests and Preferences of Older Adults

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the lived experience of 12 older adults aged 55 – 86, participants in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and living independently in the Midwest of the United States. The primary data collection method was semi-structured interviews. Data from the interviews were coded and analyzed guided by the research questions. The research resulted in four major themes; sociability, desire for learning, educational barriers or affordances and environmental factors. Clusters surrounding the main themes were analyzed using MAXQDA software guided by the principles of narrative, qualitative research. The illuminated experiences of the older adults serve as a framework for the discussion of exploring educational interest and the educational preferences older adults nominate. The study revealed as major themes 1. the sociability and social interaction opportunities older adults seek, 2. the desire of learning for the sake of learning, 3. barriers or affordances life-long learning poses on the older adult and 4. the preferences for factors in a learning environment.