Determining the levels of loneliness, depression, and life satisfaction among older adults attending the University of the Third age: An analysis from a gerontological social work perspective
Educational Gerontology, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/03601277.2026.2667860
- Dergi Adı: Educational Gerontology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Abstracts in Social Gerontology, AgeLine, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, CINAHL, EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), MLA - Modern Language Association Database, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, MLA International Bibliography, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Social Science Premium Collection (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Education Collection (ProQuest), Education Source Ultimate (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection (EBSCO), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This study aimed to examine the effects of participation in University of the Third Age (U3A) training on loneliness, depression, and life satisfaction among older adults from a gerontological social work perspective. Using a pretest-posttest control group design, this experimental field study was conducted with seventy-three individuals aged 60 and over. Independent-samples t-test results showed no significant pretest differences between the experimental and control groups in loneliness, depression, or life satisfaction. At posttest, the experimental group had significantly higher life satisfaction and significantly lower loneliness and depression scores than the control group. In addition, significant within-group changes were observed in the experimental group, whereas no significant changes were found in the control group. The findings suggest that participation in U3A programs may support psychosocial well-being among older adults. From a gerontological social work perspective, U3A may represent a valuable community-based resource for promoting social participation and well-being in later life.