Citation

Escolar Chua RL, De Guzman AB. Educ. Gerontol. 2014; 40(2): 77-90.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/03601277.2012.701157

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

With the growing number of older adults becoming a global concern, many countries have focused on education as a means of promoting successful aging. Although third age learning is gaining substantial ground in other countries, it is not well-established in the Philippines. The overall intent of this experimental study was to assess the effectiveness of community-based third age learning programs on the life satisfaction, self-esteem, and level of depression of a select group of Filipino elderly in a community setting. A pre- posttest study design was used on 40 community dwelling Filipino elderly who were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. Both groups accomplished the Life Satisfaction Index for the Third Age Short Form (LSITA-SF), Rosenberg's Self-esteem Scale (RSES), and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). The experimental group was exposed to a four-month program consisting of wellness, physical fitness, and livelihood training activities facilitated by volunteer faculty from a local university; the control group received no intervention. The results of t tests showed statistically significant group differences between the experimental and control group, with the former posting higher life satisfaction, self-esteem, and lower depression level compared to the control group.

FINDINGS of this study add to the knowledge base that active participation in third age learning programs--which include opportunities for physical activity, cognitive learning, recreation, and social interaction--can improve the psychological and psychosocial health of an older adult.