Motivations of older Chinese adult learners in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND: Motivation for learning, as an important aspect pertaining to studying the phenomenon of elder learning, is not fully explored in Hong Kong. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to create a measurement to investigate the possible diversity of motivations of elder learners, so as to harness the older people's potential in learning and thus capitalize on productive ageing. METHODS: 283 older learners participating in learning activities at elder centres were interviewed. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to identify the latent factors in the learning motivation scale. Reliability of the scale was assessed. ANOVA testing was used to assess for differences in learning motivation by different socio-demographic variables. RESULTS: Four dimensions of older Chinese adults' motivations for engaging in learning have been found: 'keeping up with and contributing to society', 'fulfilment', 'social integration' and 'reemployment'. Elders with higher education levels were more likely to seek out opportunities for lifelong learning. Younger (aged 55 to 64) participants of learning activities were more likely than their older (aged 75 or above) counterparts to learn for fulfillment. Older adults who had volunteer experience were more motivated to engage in learning through keeping up with and contributing to society. CONCLUSION: Older learners in Hong Kong participated in learning for self-fulfilment and development, contributing to society, maintaining social connection, and acquisition of knowledge and qualifications for possible (re)employment. Some of their socio-demographic features might influence their motivations. Learning programmes could be designed and improved based on older adults' motivations to meet their needs.

Association between cultural factors and the caregiving burden for Chinese spousal caregivers of frail elderly in Hong Kong.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between cultural factors and the caregiving burden of Chinese spousal caregivers who provided care to their frail partners. METHOD: A sample consisting of 102 Chinese caregivers for frail elderly spouses was recruited from home care services across various districts in Hong Kong. Structured interviews were conducted with the participants in their homes, measuring demographics, the functional status of the spouse, the degree of assistance required in daily care, perceived health, the caregiver's orientation to traditional Chinese family values, social support, coping, and caregiver burden. RESULTS: Findings of regression analysis indicated that gender, activities of daily living (ADL) status, orientation to traditional Chinese family values, passive coping, and marital satisfaction associated with caregiver burden. Being female, having lower functioning in ADL or a strong orientation toward traditional Chinese family values, employing the strategies of passive coping more frequent, or experiencing a low degree of marital satisfaction were associated with high levels of caregiver burden. CONCLUSION: These findings provided a basis for developing appropriate interventions to minimize the caregiver burden of spousal family caregivers.