Lifelong Learning Participation and Subjective Well-Being Among Retired Professionals in Abuja

This study examined the relationship between lifelong learning participation and subjective well-being among retired professionals in the Abuja Federal Capital Territory, North Central Nigeria. Population ageing trends and the expansion of post-retirement life phases have elevated questions about the role of continued learning in promoting well-being and life satisfaction among older adults, yet this relationship remains empirically unexamined in the Nigerian context. The study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design involving 130 retired professionals aged 55 and above, drawn from retirees' associations in three Abuja districts. The Oxford Happiness Questionnaire adapted for Nigerian respondents, a lifelong learning activity inventory, and structured demographic questionnaires formed the data collection instruments. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between lifelong learning participation frequency and subjective well-being scores, with formal learning activities, social learning group participation, and self-directed digital learning each making independent contributions. Social connectedness mediated a substantial proportion of the learning-well-being relationship, suggesting that the relational dimensions of learning activity are central to its well-being benefits. Retired women demonstrated stronger learning-well-being associations than retired men. Recommendations include designing targeted lifelong learning programmes for Abuja's retired professional population, ensuring programmes incorporate strong social connection components, partnering with retirees' associations as programme co-designers and delivery hosts, and establishing university third-age programmes at Federal Capital Territory institutions. Keywords: lifelong learning, subjective well-being, retired professionals, older adults, Abuja.