<b>How active learning and intergenerational sharing affect older adults’ well-being:</b><b>the mediating role of personal growth</b>

<p dir="ltr">As global populations experience rapid aging, with projections suggesting older adults will comprise 23% of the U.S. population by 2050, understanding pathways to well-being in late adulthood has become imperative. While active learning and intergenerational sharing benefit older adults, the mechanisms enhancing well-being remain inadequately understood, constraining evidence-based program development.</p><p dir="ltr">Grounded in lifespan development, successful aging models, and the psychological well-being framework, this study posits personal growth—defined as the subjective perception of ongoing development and self-actualization—as a critical mechanism connecting active learning and intergenerational sharing to well-being. Using quantitative survey methodology, data was gathered from 164 adults aged 55 and above via Prolific. A mediation analyses examined two pathways through which personal growth mediates these relationships.</p><p dir="ltr">The findings reveal distinct mediation patterns. Personal growth fully mediated the association between active learning and well-being, suggesting learning experiences promote well-being through perceived personal development. Personal growth only partially mediated the relationship between intergenerational sharing and well-being, with intergenerational engagement retaining significant direct effects, indicating additional mechanisms beyond personal growth. Among control variables, digital literacy showed significant associations with personal growth, while health status correlated with well-being.</p><p dir="ltr">This research contributes to gerontology literature by showing differential impacts of personal growth in cognitive versus social activities. Complete mediation for active learning reveals that learning activities enhance well-being through personal growth, emphasizing the need for growth-focused programs. Partial mediation for intergenerational sharing indicates multiple mechanisms contribute to well-being, suggesting programs can benefit from both growth-focused mentoring and social exchanges.</p>