Information seeking behavior of older adults: Typology of learners with an optimistic outlook

With the graying of America, greater numbers of older adults are reaching retirement in better health, living longer and with higher levels of education than previous cohorts. Continuing to learn is an important aspect of retirement as engaged learners now have time to pursue learning for enjoyment. The purpose of this study was to explore the attributes and information seeking behavior of those older adults who actively seek information from and about the larger world, exhibit a passion to continue leaning, and display an intellectual curiosity about that world beyond their small world of daily activities. The Woo Typology of attributes was developed to identify engaged learners and explore their behavior and attitude toward learning. Case study was used with interviews and observation to carry out the study. The findings indicate there is evidence to support a typology of attributes of engaged learners who prefer purposeful learning and seek information regarding the larger world.