Later life learning experience among Chinese elderly in Hong Kong

Later life learning experience among Chinese elderly in Hong Kong

• Leung, Angela Dept. of Nursing Studies, University of Hong Kong
• Lui, Yu Hon Li Ka Shing Institute of Professional and Continuing Education, Open University of Hong Kong
• Chi, Iris Sau Po Centre on Aging, University of Hong Kong

Gerontology & Geriatrics Education, 26(2), 1-15, 2005

Routledge

2005

• Q Philosophy of Education, Educational System & School At Different Levels
  • QG Adult, Lifelong & Continuing Education

Educational Attainment Continuing Education Lifelong Learning Learning Motivation Older Adults Foreign Countries Learning Experience Peer Teaching Educational Policy Policy Formation Surveys Hong Kong

• Hong Kong

• 1997.7 onwards

• Adult Education

In a world with increasing numbers of older adults and a worldwide emphasis placed on lifelong learning, it is crucial to examine and formulate appropriate policy for learning in later life (LLL). Hong Kong has a rapidly aging population, which is projected to double within the next 25 years. However, lifelong learning for the elderly has yet to be fully developed. This article reports the findings of 2 surveys: one on the LLL experience among 190 Chinese elderly in Hong Kong and another on the experiences of 9 center directors in running courses for the elderly. We found that Chinese older persons generally learn for expressive motivation rather than instrumental motivation, although those with higher educational attainment take LLL for both instrumental and expressive motivation. This finding is consistent with those obtained with American populations. Practical courses such as languages and health-related topics were found to be the most popular; and nearly a quarter (27%) of the respondents (in particular those who are well educated) expressed interest in peer teaching. The findings are important to understand LLL in the Chinese population and assist in the formulation of an appropriate LLL policy in Hong Kong. These findings also serve as a comparison for other countries trying to provide continuing education opportunities for its older citizens.
[Copyright of Gerontology & Geriatrics Education is the property of Routledge. Full article may be available at the publisher's website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1300/J021v26n02_01]

• English

Journal Articles

• 02701960

• 10.1300/J021v26n02_01

https://bibliography.lib.eduhk.hk/bibs/75a9ec98

2010-11-28