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NIACE Learning and Health Survey:
The Impact of Learning on Health
Project Status: Completed
Task
For NIACEs Learning and Health Strategy: to carry out a survey with Adult Learners’ Week (ALW) Award nominees to ascertain whether their learning has led to any associated health benefits and the extent to which a primary health care worker has been key in the promotion of lifelong learning.
Methodology
A questionnaire was designed and sent to all 1998 and 1999 ALW award winners and nominees for both group and individual awards, and winners of the Senior Learner of the Year Award; approximately 2750 people. Telephone interviews were also offered for those who would have difficulty making a written response. Braille, large print, tape and mother tongue versions were offered, and taken up. The questionnaires were anonymous. However respondents were invited to include contact details if they were interested in sharing their experiences of learning with others at a meeting.
The Questionnaire
The questionnaire was designed to ask respondents about the following:
 | motivations and barriers to learning; |
| general benefits of learning; |
| unanticipated benefits of learning; |
| dis-benefits of learning; |
| learning and physical health; |
| learning and mental/emotional health; |
| who initially influences and continually supports the learner. |
Respondents were sent a copy of the National Adult Learning Survey (NALS) definition of learning to help them think as widely as possible about the learning activities they have been involved in.
The Findings
The findings indicate that:
| a third of respondents said they were able to manage pain and illness better as a result of learning, |
"I have chronic back problems and have found that learning has kept my mind occupied and therefore I have less time to think about myself. I don’t feel as useless and I feel that I still have a worthwhile contribution to make to society" 1998 ALW nominee, female aged 40-49
| a third had noticed "real improvements to my health" |
"I certainly feel both mentally and physically better. I do not visit the doctor as regularly and I have been able to cut down on medication. I don’t know whether it is a coincidence, but it happened when I started learning" 1998 ALW winner, female, aged 30-39
| 89% reported improvements in emotional/mental health well-being |
"I feel happier, more confident, self fulfilled" 1999 ALW nominee, male, aged 60-69
| 24% found an unanticipated benefit was improved self esteem and self confidence and 18% improvements in jobs and work |
"I regained my confidence after losing my hearing. I am now confident enough to give talks to primary school children on deaf awareness (something I would never have done before) and I am more positive in my work prospects" 1999 ALW nominee, female, aged 30-39
| There were some "disbenefits" to learning, the greatest of which are stress and anxiety and family difficulties. |
"I have stress with deadlines and tiredness due to working and constant study" 1999 ALW nominee, male, aged 50-59
"I have met with some problems, in one particular relationship where I felt uncomfortable due to jealousy and resentment. I have found this very difficult to cope with, but I have learnt from the experience" 1999 ALW nominee, female, aged 20-29
The Final ReportThe final report entitled The
Impact of Learning on Health was launched during Adult Learners Week 2000. |
