Journals / International Journal on Lifelong Education and Leadership / 2026 / Cilt: 12 Sayı: 1

The Relationship Between Lifelong Learning and Successful Aging Among Older Adults

Yaşlı Yetişkinlerde Yaşam Boyu Öğrenme ile Başarılı Yaşlanma Arasındaki İlişki

Duygu Gür Erdoğan(SAKARYA UNIVERSITY, INSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES)0000-0002-2802-0201
Pages
224–235
Publication Date
2026-06-24
🏛️Bibliographic metadata and full text access for this article are provided via DergiPark.
DergiPark Record ↗
✨

AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The results indicated that both the level of lifelong learning and the extent of successful aging among the participants were moderate.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:The aim of this study was to examine the link between lifelong learning and successful aging in people who are 60 years of age or older.
📊
Key Findings & Data:A total of 433 individuals were included in the research, and they were selected through a convenient sampling approach.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:The results indicated that both the level of lifelong learning and the extent of successful aging among the participants were moderate.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:yaşam boyu öğrenme · yaşlı yetişkinler · yaşlılık

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the link between lifelong learning and successful aging in people who are 60 years of age or older. A total of 433 individuals were included in the research, and they were selected through a convenient sampling approach. Data was gathered using three tools: a Personal Information Form, a Successful Aging Scale, and a Lifelong Learning Scale. The results indicated that both the level of lifelong learning and the extent of successful aging among the participants were moderate. It was noted that people aged between 73 and 84 had a higher level of lifelong learning compared to those aged between 60 and 72. Furthermore, it was found that individuals who had attained high school or higher education showed a greater level of lifelong learning than those who had only completed primary or secondary education. A moderate positive correlation was found between the participants' lifelong learning status and their successful aging status. This information can be used by educators and gerontologists to create lifelong learning initiatives from a geragogical perspective, which can support individuals as they prepare for old age and those who are already in their later years.

Özet

Bu çalışmanın amacı, 60 yaş ve üzeri kişilerde yaşam boyu öğrenme ile başarılı yaşlanma arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemektir. Araştırmaya toplam 433 kişi dahil edilmiştir ve katılımcılar uygun örnekleme yöntemi ile seçilmiştir. Veriler üç araç kullanılarak toplanmıştır: Kişisel Bilgi Formu, Başarılı Yaşlanma Ölçeği ve Yaşam Boyu Öğrenme Ölçeği. Sonuçlar, katılımcılar arasında hem yaşam boyu öğrenme düzeylerinin hem de başarılı yaşlanma düzeylerinin orta seviyede olduğunu göstermiştir. 73 ile 84 yaş arasındaki bireylerin, 60 ile 72 yaş arasındakilere göre daha yüksek bir yaşam boyu öğrenme düzeyine sahip oldukları belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, lise veya daha yüksek bir eğitim düzeyine sahip bireylerin, ilkokul veya ortaokul mezunlarına kıyasla daha yüksek bir yaşam boyu öğrenme düzeyine sahip oldukları bulunmuştur. Katılımcıların yaşam boyu öğrenme durumları ile başarılı yaşlanma durumları arasında orta düzeyde pozitif bir ilişki olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bu bulgular, eğitimciler ve gerontologlar tarafından, bireyleri hem yaşlılığa hazırlanma sürecinde hem de ileri yaş dönemlerinde destekleyebilecek, geragojik bir perspektiften yaşam boyu öğrenme girişimleri oluşturmak için kullanılabilir.

🔖

Cite This Article

Bingöl, Ö., Erdoğan, D. G. (2026). The Relationship Between Lifelong Learning and Successful Aging Among Older Adults. International Journal on Lifelong Education and Leadership, Cilt: 12 Sayı: 1, 224–235. https://doi.org/10.25233/ijlel.1802275

📄 Full Text PDF Viewer

📄

PDF görüntüleyici hazırlanıyor...

References (45)

  1. Akçay, P. (2021). Lifelong learning tendencies and competencies of lifelong learning center teachers (ISMEK sample). Atatürk University Kazım Karabekir Education Faculty Journal, (42), 246-266. https://doi.org/10.33418/ataunikkefd.828696
  2. Aydın, A. & Aydın-Sayılan, A. (2014). A theoretical perspective on the relationship between active ageing and lifelong learning. International Journal of Social and Economic Sciences, 4(2): 76-81, ISSN: 1307-1149, E-ISSN: 2146-0086
  3. Baltes, P. B., & Baltes, M. M. (1990). Successful aging: perspectives from the behavioral sciences. Cambridge University Press.
  4. Boulton-Lewis, G. M. (2010). Education and learning for the elderly: why, how, what. Educational Gerontology, 36(3), 213-228.
  5. Büyüköztürk, Ş., Kılıç-Çakmak, E., Akgün, E. A., Karadeniz, Ş., & Demirel, F. (2012). Scientific research methods (5th edition). Pegem Akademi Publishing.
  6. Byrne, B. M. (2011). Structual equation modeling with AMOS basic concepts, applications, and programming. Routledge.
  7. Canatan, Ü. & Boz, H. (2019). The role of participation in lifelong learning activities in supporting active aging. Turkish Studies Social Sciences, 14(3), 343-363. https://doi.org/10.29228/TurkishStudies.22541 ISSN: 2667-5617
  8. Carstensen, L. L. (1992). Social and emotional patterns in adulthood: support for socioemotional selectivity theory. Psychology and Aging, 7(3), 331–338. https://doi.org/10.1037/0882-7974.7.3.331
  9. Costa, P. T., & McCrae, R. R. (1977). Epidemiology of aging. In P. B. Baltes & O. G. Brim Jr. (Eds.), Life-span development and behavior (1st edition, pp. 23–50). Academic Press.
  10. Çetinkaya, B., Gülaçtı, F., Çiftçi, Z., & Kağan, M. (2019). Investigation of teachers' lifelong learning tendencies and professional satisfaction in terms of various variables. Trakya Journal of Education, 9(4), 809-823. https://doi.org/10.24315/tred.529759
  11. Engin, M., Kör, H., & Erbay, H. (2017). Lifelong learning scale Turkish adaptation study. Kastamonu Journal of Education, 25(4), 1561-1572.
  12. Findsen, B. (2012). Learning in later life: Ageing and education in contemporary society. In International Encyclopedia of Education (pp. 615-620). Elsevier.
  13. Findsen, B., & Formosa, M. (2011). Lifelong learning in later life: a handbook on older adult learning. Sense Publishers.
  14. Günüç, S., Odabaşı, H. F. & Kuzu, A. (2012). Factors affecting lifelong learning. Gaziantep University Journal of Social Sciences, 11(2), 309-325.
  15. Havighurst, R. J. (1961). Successful aging. The Gerontologist, 1(1), 8-13.
  16. Hazer, O. & Özsungur, F. (2017). Turkish version of successful aging scale (SAS). International Journal of Education Technology and Scientific Researches, 4, 184-206.
  17. Hertzog, C., Kramer, A. F., Wilson, R. S., & Lindenberger, U. (2008). Enrichment effects on adult cognitive development: Can the functional capacity of older adults be preserved and enhanced? Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 9(1), 1-65.
  18. Hewstone, M., Fincham, D. F. & Foster, J. (2005). Adolescence and adulthood. In M. Hewstone, D. F. Fincham & J. Foster (Eds.), Psychology. Wiley.
  19. Işık, A., Tekin, N., & Çağaltay-Kayaoğlu, S. (2021). Determining the factors affecting the successful aging of adult individuals: the case of Sinop province. Community and Social Work, 32(4), 1403-1419. https://doi.org/10.33417/tsh.911047
  20. Jarvis, P. (2004). Adult education and lifelong learning: theory and practice. Routledge.
  21. Jarvis, P. (2009). Learning to be a person in society: learning to be me. Routledge.
  22. Keskinkılıç-Kara, B. (2020). The purpose, scope, and historical development of lifelong learning. In F. Ereş (Ed.), Adult education and lifelong learning (pp. 95-108). Pegem Akademi.
  23. Kim, Y. S., & Merriam, S. B. (2004). Motivations for learning among older adults in learning in retirement institutes. Educational Gerontology, 30(6), 441-455.
  24. Komşu, U. C. (2013). Participation in adult education, educational needs, difficulties and gains: "Karaduvar neighborhood example ". The Journal of Academic Social Science, 1(1), 286-299.
  25. Meerah, T. S. M., Lian, D. K. C., Osman, K., Zakaria, E., Iksan, Z. H. & Soh, T. M. T. (2011). Measuring life-long learning in the Malaysian Institute of Higher Learning context. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences. 18, 560-564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.05.082
  26. Oğlak, S. & Canatan, A. (2020). Third age universities from the perspective of lifelong learning and active aging: examples of good practices. Journal of Research on Older Adults Problems (YSAD), 13(2), 131-141. https://doi.org/10.46414/yasad.726075
  27. Özdemirkan, T., Şenlik, Z. B. & Şimşek, A. Ç. (2020). Healthy active successful aging. Turkish Journal of Health Literacy, 1(1), 51-57.
  28. Özmete, E. (2016). Türkiye active and healthy aging research. Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health, General Directorate of Health Promotion. Ankara.
  29. Quan-Haase, A., et al. (2016). Older adults’ experiences with digital media: Everyday life and social connectivity. New Media & Society, 18(8), 1508-1525.
  30. Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Family and Social Policies. (2013). The situation of elderly people in Türkiye and national plan of action on aging. Ankara: General Directorate of Services for Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly.
  31. Reker, G. T. (2009). A brief manual of the successful aging scale (SAS). (Technical Report). Trent University. https://doi.org/10.13140/2.1.4238.720
  32. Rowe, J. W., & Kahn, R. L. (1997). Successful aging. The Gerontologist, 37(4), 433-440.
  33. Schroots, J. J. (1996). Theoretical developments in the psychology of aging. The Gerontologist, 36(6), 742-748.
  34. Schulz-Nieswandt, F. (2006). Sozialpolitik und alter (5th edition). W. Kohlhammer Verlag.
  35. Schuller, T., & Watson, D. (2009). Learning through life: inquiry into the future of lifelong learning. National Institute of Adult Continuing Education.
  36. Selçuk, N. (2020). Evaluation of lifelong learning tendencies, participation objectives and satisfaction of trainees participating in courses organized in public education centers (Erzincan example) (Publication No. 653465). [Master dissertation, Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University]. YÖK Thesis Center database.
  37. Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat). (2015). Turkey health survey, 2014. [Press Release, No. 18854]. Ankara: Turkish Statistical Institute.
  38. Turkish Statistical Institute. (2023, September 1). Adult Education Survey, 2022 (News Bulletin No. 49748). https://data.tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=Adult-Education-Survey-2022-49748
  39. UNESCO. (1972). Learning to be: the world of education today and tomorrow. (Faure Report). UNESCO.
  40. Wielkiewicz, R. M., & Meuwissen, A. S. (2014). A lifelong learning scale for research and evaluation of teaching and curricular effectiveness. Teaching of Psychology, 41(3), 220-227. https://doi.org/10.1177/0098628314537971
  41. Wilson, R. S., & Bennett, D. A. (2003). Cognitive activity and risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 12(3), 87-91.
  42. Withnall, A. (2010). Improving learning in later life. Routledge.
  43. World Health Organization (WHO). (2002). Active ageing: a policy framework. noncommunicable disease prevention and health promotion department, ageing and life course. World Health Organization Publishing.
  44. World Health Organization (2019). Propose working definition of an older person in Africa for the MDS project.
  45. Yayla, D. (2009). Evaluation of the Turkish adult education system. Ministry of National Education, Research and Development Department (EARGED).