What Older Adults Read: Data Mining of Patterns and Types of Reading among the Elderly

پژوهشنامه کتابداری و اطلاع رسانی

Article 1, Volume 14, Issue 2 - Serial Number 28, December 2024, Pages 5-26   

Document Type: Original Article

DOI: 10.22067/infosci.2025.88480.1210

Authors

Mostafa Ahangar¹; Davoud Haseli^{* 2}; Nosrat Riahinia³

¹PhD Candidate in Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

²Assistant Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

³Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Older adults encounter a range of challenges associated with the aging process, including loneliness, diminished social support, and cognitive decline. Engaging in reading as a leisure activity has been shown to play a significant role in alleviating these challenges by fostering mental stimulation, enhancing overall health, and improving the quality of life. Public libraries, as hubs of information and culture, are well-positioned to address the informational needs of older adults and promote their engagement in reading activities. In light of demographic shifts and the growing population of older adults in Iran, this study seeks to examine their reading habits and informational requirements, while offering strategies to optimize public library services for this demographic.
Methodology: This quantitative study utilized data mining techniques to investigate its research questions. The dataset comprised 918,324 book loan records from public libraries in Iran, representing older adults (aged 60 and above) during the period from 2015 to January 2023. Data were retrieved from the Iranian Public Library Management System (Saman software) and subjected to a rigorous six-stage cleaning process to remove irrelevant records, including children’s books, short-term loans, and incomplete data. The final dataset consisted of 30,000 older adults, each with an average of 30 loan records. The collected user data were categorized based on demographic characteristics, including age (young-elder, middle-elder, and old-elder), education level (ranging from elementary to postgraduate), and occupation (homemaker, employee, self-employed, and other). Borrowed books were classified into three main categories: non-literature, Iranian literature, and non-Iranian literature. Data analysis was performed using Excel, SPSS version 27, and Clementine version 18. The CS5.0 classification algorithm was employed to predict book topics, while the K-Means clustering algorithm was utilized to identify user profiles.
Findings: The study found that older men borrowed more than twice as many books as women, while young-elder adults (aged 60–74 years) borrowed approximately six times more books than individuals in other age groups. Borrowing rates were highest among individuals with secondary and undergraduate levels of education. In terms of occupation, employees and those classified in the "other" category exhibited the most frequent borrowing activity. Regarding subject preferences, literature accounted for the largest proportion of loans (50.17%), followed by history and geography (17.91%) and religion (12.76%). Compared to the general population, older adults demonstrated a heightened interest in history, literature, and religion, alongside a relatively lower interest in the pure sciences, social sciences, and philosophy.
The CS5.0 classification algorithm identified gender (67%) as the most significant predictor of book topics, followed by education (23%), age (5%), and occupation (4%). Among older women, Iranian literature emerged as the primary preference, with education and occupation significantly influencing their reading choices. Women with elementary education showed a tendency toward non-literature topics, whereas those with secondary education or higher exhibited a preference for Iranian literature. Conversely, older men predominantly favored non-literature topics, with this inclination being particularly pronounced among the younger subset of older adults.
The K-Means clustering algorithm identified five distinct reading profiles. The largest clusters, consisting primarily of men with secondary and associate degrees, demonstrated a predominant interest in non-literary works and Iranian literature. Clusters associated with women exhibited preferences for Iranian literature, non-Iranian literature, and non-literary works, with variations influenced by their educational attainment and occupational roles.
Discussion and conclusion: This study investigated the reading habits of older adults in Iran by analyzing public library book loan data, with the aim of identifying their reading behaviors and topic preferences. The findings indicated that young-old adults (aged 60–74) constituted the largest proportion of book borrowers. This trend may be attributed to their comparatively better physical and cognitive health, higher motivation for lifelong learning and social participation, and greater access to library resources. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that older men utilized library services more frequently than older women, a pattern likely influenced by cultural norms, traditional gender roles, and disparities in educational opportunities experienced by earlier generations. 
The thematic analysis revealed that older adults exhibited a pronounced preference for subjects such as history, literature, and religion, while demonstrating comparatively lower interest in disciplines such as the pure sciences, social sciences, philosophy, and psychology. These preferences are likely shaped by their life experiences, emotional and psychological needs, and a tendency to gravitate toward topics that hold personal significance and are deeply connected to the past. 
Data mining techniques identified five distinct reading profiles among older adults. These profiles were associated with demographic variables such as gender, age, education level, and occupation, providing a basis for optimizing library services to meet the specific needs of this group. The results of this research demonstrate that the reading behaviors of older adults are shaped by a complex interplay of social, cultural, and individual factors. These findings can guide librarians, publishers, and cultural policymakers in designing tailored services, programs, and collections to enhance the reading experiences of older adults and increase their engagement with library activities.
Originality: This study employed a data mining methodology to examine the reading patterns of older adults in Iran, a topic that has received limited scholarly attention. By analyzing extensive datasets from the Public Library Management System and applying advanced classification and clustering algorithms, the research identified distinct reading profiles and informational needs among older adults. The findings offer valuable insights into their reading behaviors and hold potential to enhance library services and publishing practices in Iran.

Keywords

Older adults; elderly; reading; public libraries; data mining

References

Ayoubi-Mahani, S., Eghbali-Babadi, M., Farajzadegan, Z., & Keshvari, M. (2023). Facilitators and Barriers to Active Aging in Iran: A Gualitative Study. Iranian Journal of Ageing, 18(3), 438-459.  https://doi.org/10.32598/sija.2023.3604.1 [In Persian]

Chang, Y.-H., Wu, I. C., & Hsiung, C. A. (2021). Reading activity prevents long-term decline in cognitive function in older people: evidence from a 14-year longitudinal study. International Psychogeriatrics, 33(1), 63-74. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610220000812

Cho, J. (2019). Analysis of Reading Domian of Men and Women Elderly Using Book Lending Data. Journal of Korean Library and Information Science Society, 50(1), 23-41. https://koreascience.kr/article/JAKO201913458197293.page

Dalmer, N. K., Sawchuk, D., & Ly, M. (2023). ”I felt there was a big chunk taken out of my life”: COVID-19 and older adults’ library-based magazine leisure reading. Leisure Studies, 42(1), 118-132. https://doi.org/10.1080/02614367.2022.2148719

Donkai, S., & Mizoue, C. (2014). The Public Library in an Aging Society: Developing Active Library Participation in Japan. In Library and information science research in Asia-Oceania: theory and practice (pp. 266-283). IGI Global. https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/the-public-library-in-an-aging-society/99964

Foundation, I. P. L. (2023). The list and statistics of the number of libraries covered by the Iran Public Libraries Foundation on 22 October inranpl.ir https://iranpl.ir/news/58064 [In Persian]

Gallucci, M., Antuono, P., Ongaro, F., Forloni, P. L., Albani, D., Amici, G. P., & Regini, C. (2009). Physical activity, socialization and reading in the elderly over the age of seventy: What is the relation with cognitive decline? Evidence from “The Treviso Longeva (TRELONG) study”. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 48(3), 284-286. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2008.02.006

Galyani-Moghaddam, G., Hossennia-Tanha, Z., & Samiei, M. (2019). Analysis of Elderly Services in Tehran Public Libraries affiliated to the Iran Public Libraries Foundation. Knowledge Retrieval and Semantic Systems, 6(19), 115-137. https://doi.org/10.22054/jks.2019.45460.1246 [In Persian]

Ghasemkhani, S. (2013). Investigating the information seeking behavior of the elderly in the public libraries of Khoy city Khwarazmi University]. https://ganj.irandoc.ac.ir//#/articles/c68ffdb551d7164cfd999e980ab2efe3 [In Persian]

Hartmann, S., Klasen, L., Keller, N., & Huxhold, O. (2023). Reading books in the second half of life: What correlations are there with aspects of quality of life and health? https://www.ssoar.info/ssoar/handle/document/91670

Ilali, E. S., Bashkani, M., & Jahanbakhsh, F. (2018). A Review of the Effect of Leisure on Depression in the Elderly [Review]. Clinical Excellence, 8(2), 50-60. http://ce.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-411-en.html

Islam, M. A., & Ikeda, M. (2023). Positive Ageing: How Can Public Libraries Help? Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology, 60(1), 1001-1003. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/pra2.925

Johnson, C. A. (2010). Do public libraries contribute to social capital?: A preliminary investigation into the relationship. Library & Information Science Research, 32(2), 147-155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2009.12.006

Khoir, S., Du, J. T., Davison, R. M., & Koronios, A. (2017). Contributing to social capital: An investigation of Asian immigrants' use of public library services. Library & Information Science Research, 39(1), 34-45. https://scholars.cityu.edu.hk/files/170611114/13151284.pdf

Koohi Rostami, M., & Pourkhalil, N. (2021). Sociological Explanation of the Relationship between Gender and Reading among Ahvaz Citizens. International Journal of Information Science and Management (IJISM), 19(2), 65-75. https://ijism.isc.ac/article_698350_5b97dd6427b243bc821bcd0cfb5829d5.pdf

Ku, P.-W., Fox, K. R., & Chen, L.-J. (2016). Leisure-time physical activity, sedentary behaviors and subjective well-being in older adults: An eight-year longitudinal research. Social indicators research, 127, 1349-1361. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-015-1005-7

Kuscus, M., & Fombad, M. C. (2017). Exploring the informational and recreational needs of the elderly: Library users in Temperance Town, South Africa. Library Philosophy & Practice. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4476&context=libphilprac

Lee, A. T. C., Richards, M., Chan, W. C., Chiu, H. F. K., Lee, R. S. Y., & Lam, L. C. W. (2018). Association of Daily Intellectual Activities With Lower Risk of Incident Dementia Among Older Chinese Adults. JAMA Psychiatry, 75(7), 697-703. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.0657

Leung, G. T. Y., Fung, A. W. T., Tam, C. W. C., Lui, V. W. C., Chiu, H. F. K., Chan, W. M., & Lam, L. C. W. (2011). Examining the association between late-life leisure activity participation and global cognitive decline in community-dwelling elderly Chinese in Hong Kong. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 26(1), 39-47. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.2478

Litwin, H., Schwartz, E., & Damri, N. (2016). Cognitively Stimulating Leisure Activity and Subsequent Cognitive Function: A SHARE-based Analysis. The Gerontologist, 57(5), 940-948. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnw084

Luyt, B., & Ann, H. S. (2011). Reading, the library, and the elderly: A Singapore case study. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 43(4), 204-212. https://doi.org/10.1177/0961000611418813

Luyt, B., Chow, Y. H., Ng, K. P., & Lim, J. (2011). Public library reading clubs and Singapore's elderly. Libri, 61(3), 205-210. https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/libr.2011.017/pdf

Mahmoudi Topkanlo, H., & Behroozfar, H. (2021). Examination and Evaluation of the Use of Toys in Iran Public Libraries. publij.ir, 27(1), 45-69. http://publij.ir/article-1-2293-fa.html [In Persian]

McKrell, L. (2014). Spreading the word: how public libraries are helping to extend digital inclusion. Library and Information Research, 38(117), 77-84. https://lirgjournal.org.uk/index.php/lir/article/view/617

Mehrmohammadi, M., Talaie, E., & Imani, M. (2023). Identifying and Prioritizing the Educational Needs of Iranian Older Adult. Iranian Journal of Ageing, 18(3), 2-2.  https://doi.org/10.32598/sija.2022.3460.1 [In Persian]

Moshfegh, M. (2018). Iran's elderly population until 2026. Saba Institute of Retirement Strategies. https://saba-psi.ir/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Anticipation-of-Iran’s-Elderly-Population-until-2026.pdf

Mui, A. C. (2014). Productive ageing in China: a human capital perspective. In Productive engagement in later life (pp. 5-17). Routledge. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17525098.2010.492634

Nadalizadeh, F. (2019). The Role of Puppet Games in Attracting Children to the Rural Public Libraries: A Case Study of the "Dana Doll" Project. publij.ir, 25(1), 95-115. http://publij.ir/article-1-2001-fa.html

Nakhoda, M., Delbari, A., & Ghasemi, F. (2019). Designing a model of public library services to the elderly in Tehran City. Research on Information Science and Public Libraries, 25(3), 511-540. https://publij.ir/article-1-2036-fa.html [In Persian]

Paillard-Borg, S., Wang, H.-X., Winblad, B., & Fratiglioni, L. (2009). Pattern of participation in leisure activities among older people in relation to their health conditions and contextual factors: a survey in a Swedish urban area. Ageing & Society, 29(5), 803-821. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X08008337

Panella, N. M. (2004). Guidelines for libraries serving hospital patients and the elderly and disabled in long-term care facilities. https://www.ifla.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/assets/hq/publications/professional-report/61.pdf

Park, O.-W. (2007). A study on the elderly of public libraries in Daejeon metropolitan city. Journal of Korean Library and Information Science Society, 38(1), 375-396.  https://doi.org/10.14699/kbiblia.2023.34.1.075

Peng, D., & Fei, W. (2013). Productive ageing in China: Development of concepts and policy practice. Ageing International, 38, 4-14. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12126-012-9169-9

Rothbauer, P., & Dalmer, N. (2018). Reading as a lifeline among aging readers: Findings from a qualitative interview study with older adults. Library & Information Science Research, 40(3), 165-172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2018.08.001

Scott, R. (2011a). The role of public libraries in community building. Public Library Quarterly, 30(3), 191-227. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2011.599283

Scott, R. (2011b). Strategies that public libraries use to build communities. Public Library Quarterly, 30(4), 307-346. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2011.625604

Vaziri, E., & Feizabadi, M. (2022). Needs and expectations of the elderly from Iranian Public Libraries: A national survey. Library and Information Sciences, 25(1), 193-220.  https://doi.org/10.30481/lis.2022.312068.1899

WHO. (2015). World report on ageing and health. World Health Organization. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/186463/9789240694811_eng.pdf?sequence=1

Zanjari, N., & Sadeghi, R. (2015). Age watch index in Iran. Saba Retirement Strategies Institute. https://saba-psi.ir/

Zhang, W., Zhang, Y., & Wang, J. (2022). Effect and mechanism of reading habits on physical and mental health among the elderly: Evidence from China [Original Research]. Frontiers in Public Health, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1031939