Abstract
The objective of the current study was to evaluate empirically positive side effects of a job-related training program on older adults' self-esteem, depression, and social networks. A total of 70 older adults participated in the study after completing the Older Paraprofessional Training Program developed and provided by the Continuing Education Center in a university in Korea. The one group pretest-posttest design was employed to test the positive side effects of the program. The results of paired samples t tests statistically support that there are significant changes in self-esteem, depression, and social network after completing the program. The findings of the study are discussed in relation to the evaluation and development of job-related training programs for older adults.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1-9 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Educational Gerontology |
| Volume | 38 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 Jan |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The Continuing Education Center in a university in South Korea has developed a job-related training program for older adults funded by the Ministry of Labor. The program, entitled Older Paraprofessional Training Program (OPTP), aims to train older adults to work with their elderly peers. Older adults completing this program can help their peers with physical or cognitive impairments in community or institutional settings to improve their overall health and quality of life via the provision of meaningful services such as direct care, exercise training, and hobby or leisure development. The program consisted of thirty 2-or 3-hour weekly sessions (a total of 80 hours) for education and three 6-hour weekly sessions (a total of 18 hours) for field practice. The main contents and activities of the education are briefly outlined as follows: (a) education on empowering the older adult; (b) teaching strategies (knowledge and skills) for the older adult; (c) peer counseling; (d) program planning and performance on improving physical health and preventing common chronic diseases in old age; (e) hobby and leisure activities for the elderly; and (f) exercise practice based on participants’ selection (e.g., dance, yoga, recreation, gate ball, and ping-pong).
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Education
- Geriatrics and Gerontology