The learning path towards wellbeing : A qualitative study on the factors motivating elderly to participate in informal learning activities

Sammanfattning: The purpose of the study has been to discover what motivates the elderly to participate in informal learning activities after the retirement age. The study is qualitative, interpretation being used as the theoretical knowledge approach. The result is based on interviews that have been focusing on eight respondents aged over 65 years old residents in Ängelholm Municipality, Sweden. The interpretation of the data collected is mainly based on the Health Lifestyles theory (Cockerham, 2005) and on the framework for the benefits of learning (Schuller, 2004). The interviews were interpreted, thematized and presented as results in Chapter 5 of the present study. The interpretation resulted in four main themes: a healthier lifestyle, the feeling of self- realization, a new aim in life and an active social life. From those themes, the analysis of the results presents three main motivational factors that are found as stimulating the elderly to participate in informal learning activities: the psychological factor, the social factor and the healthy lifestyle factor. The study presents a clear connection between the mental wellbeing among the elderly and their participation in activities promoting informal learning. The results show clearly that elderly who are taking part in informal learning activities have a defined, active social life and a broad social network, signalling clearly the positive effects of learning activities on combating social isolation and loneliness. The results of the study can be used in future research projects analysing the concept of lifelong learning in the elderly age, and it can constitute as well a starting point for social strategies at the municipality and local level that focus on combating loneliness and social isolation among elderly.