Enhancing quality of life for older adults through university education: a scoping review

With the rising aging population, there is a pressing need for effective public policies and academic initiatives tailored to older adults, educational aspirations, and needs. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the intersection between older adults and university education on a global scale, highlighting the critical role of education in enhancing the quality of life for this demographic. Through a Scoping Review, this study examines the existing body of research to understand the dynamics of older adults, engagement with higher education, identifying existing gaps, and paving the way for future inquiry. The findings reveal significant benefits of higher education for older adults, including improved mental health, enhanced cognitive function, and encouragement of active aging, signaling an increasing scholarly interest in this domain. The paper emphasizes the unique challenges older adults face, such as health decline and social isolation, advocating for developing policies and academic programs that promote their active participation in higher education. Such interventions are essential for boosting older adults; self-esteem, facilitating social integration, and ultimately, elevating their overall quality of life. This study underscores the necessity of a novel approach to the integrated analysis of inclusive education, having aimed to inform and inspire the development of public policies and academic extension projects that support lifelong learning among older adults.