An investigation into the learning of a group of elderly New Zealanders : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education at Massey University

Abstract

It would appear that no basic research into educational gerontology has been conducted in New Zealand although a few facts about the elderly and their learning can be found in studies about continuing education. This study is an attempt to redress the position. Sixty-nine people over sixty years of age, mainly from a bowling club, completed a questionnaire relating to their learning and their backgrounds. They provide a picture of physically active and socially involved late adulthood. Retired people appear to differ mainly from those still working in having experienced more of life and in no longer having to cope with the pressures of work. Consequently, once adjustment to retirement has been made, they have the opportunity to pursue interests that were either unavailable during, or formed a minor part of, their working lives. These people not only remain aware of current happenings but use a range of learning methods to advance knowledge of their interests – formal courses being but one. It seems highly improbable that age, gender, income level, or educational background can be used to predict the forms that retirees, such as these, will use for learning.