The Relationship

between Hope and

Optimism, and
Lifelong Learning in
Older Adults
 Lifelong Learning
q Defined as voluntary
learning
q Participants took classes
for:
qEnrichment
qJob skills
qSocial contacts
qOut of boredom
 Hope
q Emotion or Cognition?
q Only in the most dire
situations
q Enduring belief in
attainability
q Agency (aware of
determination)
q Pathways (methods to
success)
 Optimism
q A positive outlook on life
q Reactions to personal
setbacks
q Study used explanatory
style for both good and bad
events:
qInternal or external cause?
qPermanent or temporary?
qGlobal or isolated?
 Hypotheses
q T.I.N.S.D. between lifelong
learners and non-learners on
the OAASQ, and,
qT.I.N.S.D. between lifelong
learners and non-learners on
the Hope Scale (Agency &
Pathways)
qA total of 6 Hypotheses with
the subscales
 Purpose
q Look at relationships
between:
qOptimism & Hope, and
qLifelong Learning in older
adults
q Why?
q Increased life satisfaction
q Reduced depression, and,
Enduring Demographics
(% of world population over 60)

(United Nations, 2002)

 Implications
q Economic growth
q Retirement funding
q Labor markets/workers
q Healthcare
q Family structure
q Housing
q Population migrations
 Methods and
q Participants
No I.V.s or D.V.s
(Relationship)
q Older adults 50+
q N = 91, from 3 Senior
Centers
q The Hope Scale
q Attributional Style
Questionnaire (OAASQ)
q Researcher’s questionnaire
(Snyder et al, 1991)
 Procedures
q Full IRB approval
q Permission from 3 Senior
Centers
q Took participants 45
minutes to one hour to
complete
q Participants received free
lunch
q Age range 53 to 100 (M =
 Descriptives
n 71.4% were females
n 27.5 % were lifelong learners
n 100 % agreed that classes added to
life satisfaction
n 75 % reported their health as good
n 31 % had a bachelors or higher
degree
Significant Results
OAASQ p= .01, Hope Scale p = .03
 Implications
q Increased life satisfaction
qBetter health outcomes
qHigher levels of resiliency
qEnhanced coping skills
qExtended social networks
qLower rates of depression
Acknowledgments
Esteemed Committee
Dr. Barbara White, Chair
Dr. Wendy Reiboldt
Dr. Melanie Horn-Mallers
Thank You!
Questions?