New social circles: Unpacking Chinese older adult learners’ insights into making friends at older adult universities

Aging, information technology, and social transformation challenge the traditional functions of older adult universities. Previous studies have revealed the personal, family, and social values of older adult schools, but the social functions have not been specifically reported. This study examines how older adult learners verify and construct the social functions of older adult universities in China. A theoretical framework was constructed inspired by theories of life course, information technology, and common interests. Twelve older adult learners from Yin Ling Older Adult University in Shanghai were recruited following a qualitative research. Unstructured interviews were employed to collect data, which were analyzed using deductive and inductive coding. The reliability was enhanced through the application of the kappa coefficient and reflective practice. The study found that older adult learners verify social functions of older adult universities in China. Firstly, older adult universities provide a platform for learners who have gradually lost friends after retirement to make new friends. Secondly, older adult universities compensate for the shortcomings of virtual online chat in meeting the psychological needs of learners to make friends. Thirdly, making friends with common interests is activated in conversational teaching and after-class interactions. This study examines how older adult learners verify and construct the social functions of older adult universities in China. In addition, this study provides practical value and policy insights for understanding the relationship between the learners’ needs and older adult universities’ functions.