Adult Broad Learning Experiment (ABLE): Feasibility Study

Adult Broad Learning Experiment (ABLE): Feasibility Study

This study evaluates the feasibility of enrolling and retaining older adults in a 15-week intervention that will implement six factors from early childhood experiences: individualized scaffolding (having a responsive teacher), forgiving environment (allowing the learner to make and learn from mistakes), growth mindset (believing that abilities can develop with effort), open-minded learning (exploring new experiences), serious commitment to learning (adopting a "learning" lifestyle), and learning multiple skills simultaneously. These six factors will be implemented via concurrent classes at the UCR Extension center (OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute).

Inclusion Criteria:

• 55 years of age or older
• Fluent in English
• Have not been diagnosed with a cognitive condition (e.g., Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's, and Dementia)
• Currently not experiencing a mental health disorder (e.g., anxiety, depression, Schizophrenia)
• Have normal eye vision or corrected-to-normal eye vision
• Not proficient in any of the three skills that will be taught during the intervention. Proficiency of skills will be determined by participants' self-report of their experience with each skill. Only potential participants who self-report having less than one or more years of experience with any of the three skills in the past 10 years or as having less than 5 years of experience more than 50 years ago will be considered as being "unfamiliar" with that skill (or skills) and will be qualified to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria: n/a