The effect of the Third Age University Program on quality of life, life satisfaction, and successful aging in older adults
A quasi-experimental study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21537405 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Nazmiye Yıldırım (0000-0003-2279-2865, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, corresponding author), Elif Güngör Genç (0000-0002-7480-7793, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University), Hamit Coskun (0000-0002-5509-8717, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University), Samettin Gündüz (0000-0002-6837-5971, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-12 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-21 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Educational Gerontology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0360-1277 • E-ISSN: 1521-0472 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/03601277.2026.2617966 |
| OpenAlex | W7125201281 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 38 |
With the rapid aging of the global population, interest in lifelong learning initiatives has increased, highlighting models such as the Universities of the Third Age. This study describes the development and implementation of a University of the Third Age program in Türkiye, and evaluates its impact on older adults’ quality of life, life satisfaction, and successful aging. The program was designed through a multiphase process involving needs assessment, program structure, curriculum development, community engagement, and registration. A quasi-experimental design was used with a 12-week educational intervention targeting older adults who voluntarily enrolled was used. Forty-four participants were recruited, with 37 completing the study. Preintervention (March 5, 2024) and postintervention (May 31, 2024) data were collected using the WHOQOL-BREF Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the Successful Aging Scale. Data were analyzed with paired-sample t-tests. Following the intervention, statistically significant improvements were observed in the participants’ quality of life across the subdomains of physical health (p = .001), psychological well-being (p = .005), social relationships (p = .02), and environment (p < .001). Life satisfaction and successful aging scores also increased significantly (both p < .001). This study suggests that an interdisciplinary program that integrates lifelong learning with social participation – and actively involves older adults in the process – can positively affect aging outcomes. The findings support the integration of such programs into healthy aging policies, emphasizing older adults’ potential for continued growth and contribution to society
Long-term care · Successful aging · Third age · Aging and Gerontology Research · Health and Well-being Studies · Health and Wellbeing Research
Physical activity and healthy ageing
Operational definitions of successful aging
Definitions and Predictors of Successful Aging
The Satisfaction With Life Scale
Factors Affecting Life Satisfaction of Older Adults in Asia
The importance of the university of the third age to improved mental health and healthy aging of community-dwelling older adults
Enhancing quality of life for older adults through university education
Improving the Reporting Quality of Nonrandomized Evaluations of Behavioral and Public Health Interventions
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |