ONLINE LEARNING AMONG OLDER ADULTS - Learning Efficacy as a Key Predictor for Mental Health

Sep 29, 2026

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More than half of older adults in China use the Internet, making online learning a major pathway for lifelong learning. As aging shifts priorities toward positive emotional experiences, online learning experiences may relate more strongly to mental health than learning performance. This study tested whether learning performance affects mental health through learning experiences, emphasizing online learning efficacy. Using data from 998 community-dwelling older adults in China, hierarchical regression and mediation analyses examined learning performance, learning efficacy, and mental health measures.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

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Abstract

Research question and rationale

Methods and measures

Key findings

Implications for educational programs

872 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.2951 ONLINE LEARNING AMONG OLDER ADULTS: LEARNING EFFICACY AS A KEY PREDICTOR FOR MENTAL HEALTH Junhua Xiao1, and Huamao Peng2, 1. Beijing Normal University, Beijing, Beijing, China (People’s Republic), 2. Beijing Normal University Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing, Beijing, China (People’s Republic) More than 50% of older adults in China now use the Internet, making online learning a key approach for lifelong learning. With age, older adults tend to prioritize positive emotional experiences, indicating that online learning experiences may have a more direct relationship with mental health than learning performance. This study examines whether learning performance influences mental health through learning experiences, particularly focusing on the effect of online learning efficacy, as it aligns with higher psychological needs of older adults. A total of 998 community-dwelling older adults in China (age = 68.50 ± 5.37 years) completed questionnaires assessing self-rated learning performance, learning experiences (via the Online Learning Efficacy Scale), and mental health (via the Geriatric Depression Scale, Social Participation Scale, Subjective Cognitive Decline Scale). Hierarchical regression and mediation analyses were conducted. The results showed that sixty percent of older adults spent more than 1 hour daily on online learning. Learning performance negatively predicted depression, subjective cognitive decline, social participation with demographic variables controlled. After adding the online learning efficacy into the regression model, the regression model’s explanatory power significantly increased. Further analysis showed that online learning efficacy mediated the relationship between learning performance and mental health, with the strongest mediated effect observed on social participation. These findings suggest that for older adults, online learning efficacy is closely linked to their mental health, particularly for social health. Educational programs should prioritize fostering older adults’ sense of competence to promote mental health and positive ageing.

FAQs

How does online learning relate to mental health in older adults?

The study proposes that online learning experiences, especially learning efficacy, are more directly linked to mental health than learning performance alone.

What variables were measured in the study?

Participants reported self-rated learning performance and learning experiences via the Online Learning Efficacy Scale, while mental health was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale, Social Participation Scale, and Subjective Cognitive Decline Scale.

What role does online learning efficacy play in the results?

Online learning efficacy mediated the relationship between learning performance and mental health, with the strongest mediated effect observed for social participation.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Kyle