Abstract

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Title:: Preliminary Probe into the Theory of Learning Needs of the Elderly: Considering the Perspective of Yearning for a Better Life

Keywords:: the elderly; learning needs; levels; a better life; hierarchy of needs; Maslow

Abstract:: Learning for the elderly is one of the effective ways to achieve active aging. This research starts by defining a better life. Then, it explores the contemporary characteristics of the learning needs of the elderly in China, and establishes a hierarchy of needs model for learning. The self-made “Questionnaire on the Learning Needs of the Elderly” includes understanding the relationship between a better life, learning while aging, and specific learning content. Through a survey of 1,568 elderly people in Shanghai, it was found that the learning needs of the elderly group point to the realization of a better life. They believe that learning is primarily for enjoying life better, and secondly for satisfying personal interests, promoting health, keeping up with social development, and so on. In terms of specific learning content, the elderly most hope to participate in learning about health preservation, information technology, and rights protection. The study believes that the learning needs of the elderly, as a whole, present the characteristics of new and rich activities. There are four levels of adaptive learning needs, leisure learning needs, social needs, and transcending learning needs; the learning needs of each level are caused by health, economic income, and educational level, and so forth. They are different, but sequential, creating a hierarchical model of learning needs for the elderly.