Satisfaction with life of people participating in classes of the University of the Third Age functioning in Kujawsko-Pomorskie Province

Abstract

I n t r o d u c t i o n. The period of old age is a time of numerous changes occurring in various areas of human life, often connected with deterioration of functioning. Staying active in older age may contribute to keeping fit and independent despite limitations appearing with time. A i m. assessment of satisfaction with life at the beginning of participation in classes of the University of the Third Age and after one year of such participation and of satisfaction with life of people not taking up such an activity. Ma t e r i a l a n d m e t h o d s. The respondents of the study comprised 127 people participating in classes of the University of the Third Age and 119 people who have not taken up such an activity. The level of satisfaction with life of people taking part in classes of the University of the Third Age at the beginning of their education and after a year of such education, as well as the level of satisfaction with life of people who did not take part in the classes was compared by means of the Satisfaction With Life Scale(SWLS). R e s u l t s. In the study conducted with the use of SWLS there was no statistically significant difference (p=0.1789) between the average number of points received in both groups. After one academic year the study was reconducted among people participating in classes of the U3A with the use of SWLS. 108 respondents took part in the second study after one year of participation in classes, among whom there was a significant increase in satisfaction with life, measured by means of SWLS. C o n c l u s i o n s. After a year of participation in classes of the U3A there was a significant increase in satisfaction with life of the elderly. Participation in classes of the U3A may be a factor positively contributing to welfare and well-being of elderly people.