Learning opportunities for older adults attending community day centres : an action research study

Abstract

The demographic changes happening in Malta, as happening across Europe and the rest of the world have resulted in an increase of older adult population. Consequently services for this cohort group have increased in demand but also in type. As older adults are living longer and leading healthier and active lives, the demands for older adult education have also increased. This study explored the possibility of using community day centres as educational hubs for older adults' attendees. A 10-week education programme was implemented in one of the local community day centres with some of the regular day centre's attendees. Following the programme, a selection of the programme's attendees then participated in a focus group interview with regards their feelings and attitudes about the education programme they attended but also about possible education opportunities within the day centre. Findings from the study show that older adults enjoyed the educational programme as it covered a variety of topics and was made accessible to them in the day centre. Still, while the educational programme triggered some changes in the participants' lives on a personal basis, participants were passive about their situation within the day centre, and while they were able to talk about what they feel is oppressing them, they were unable to take action about it. Thus, findings from this study suggest that community day centres should indeed take into consideration fostering a sense of learning within the day centre, using diverse activities that cater for the people who attend the day centres.