Later Life Learning in the Third Age: Factors motivating the engagement of Singaporean Chinese

This is a qualitative study of the later life learning motivations of older Singaporean Chinese. Later life learning could be a strategy for these third-agers to satisfy their need to maximise time; stay relevant; cement social relationships; and delay physical and mental decline. Findings point to four motivational factors: 1) enhancement of sense of wellbeing, respect from others; 2) connection to family and the community; 3) heightened sense of independence; and 4) an affirmation of cultural values of ageing and lifelong learning. Awareness of cultural differences in learning motivations could lead to better targeted practice and policy in multi-racial Singapore.