This paper explores the contributions of research to the field of adults learning mathematics (ALM) in the last twenty years. The results of the review of the literature on ALM show that the most cited studies that have been published in the last twenty years tend to focus on the field of numeracy to understand health data (such as understanding how to dose a medicine in a medical treatment). However, we know little about key aspects of how adults learn mathematics, what obstacles they encounter, and how they overcome them. This paper identifies the main gaps that ALM research faces in the coming years.
ObjectivesAdherence to lifestyle interventions is crucial for the treatment of obesity. However, there is little research about adherence to lifestyle interventions in persons around retirement age. The objectives of this study are (1) to identify factors associated with the adherence to resistance training and a hypocaloric diet and (2) to describe the association between adherence and changes in body composition outcome parameters.DesignThis secondary data analysis included three randomized controlled trials.Setting & participantsThe inclusion criteria of the participants were an age of 55–75 years, a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and receiving both a hypocaloric diet and resistance training. All participants were residing in the community.MeasurementsAdherence to hypocaloric diet was measured through the mean dietary intake on the basis of a 3-day dietary record. If the participant consumed at least 600 kcal less than the individual caloric requirements, they were considered adherent. Adherence to resistance training was achieved if ≥67% of the recommended training sessions were attended over the course of the study periods.Results232 participants were included, 47.0% female, mean age 64.0 (±5.5) years. 80.2% adhered to resistance training and 51.3% adhered to a hypocaloric diet. Older age (Beta 0.41; 95% CI 0.05, 0.78; p = 0.028) and male sex (Beta 7.7; 95% CI 3.6, 11; p < 0.001) were associated with higher resistance training adherence. A higher BMI at baseline (Beta 6.4; 95% CI 3.6, 9.2; p < 0.001) and male sex (Beta 65; 95% CI 41, 88; p < 0.001) were associated with higher adherence to hypocaloric diet.ConclusionWe identified several associated factors (sex, age and BMI at baseline) that should be considered to promote adherence in future lifestyle intervention studies in persons around retirement age. We recommend including behavior change techniques in lifestyle interventions and consider sex-specific interventions to improve the adherence of women.
MULTIFILE
One of the core elements of the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) is a survey of adult skills. The survey measures adults’ proficiency in literacy, numeracy, and problem solving in technology-rich environments. Furthermore, the survey gathers data on how adults use their skills at home, at work and in the wider community. The second cycle of PIAAC will take place in 2021 and 2022. Preparations have started by the Numeracy Expert Group in reviewing the numeracy framework used in the first cycle and designing items which will be used to measure the numerate capabilities and numerate behavior of adults.
