Collaborative learning of new information in older age: a systematic review

Aging is accompanied by a multitude of changes in cognitive abilities such as processing speed and memory, which in turn affect learning. Learning collaboratively may benefit older adults by negating some of these age-related changes. Collaborative learning, especially in older age, has not been extensively studied but is experiencing a resurgence. However, studies in the literature differ in both their methodology and findings and a comprehensive overview of research conducted on collaborative learning does not exist. As such, this manuscript proposes a systematic review of the current research on collaborative learning in older age, exploring under which circumstances collaborative learning can be more beneficial compared to learning individually. The proposed project will provide insight into learning in later life, as well as identify gaps in current knowledge and outstanding issues to address in future research.