Posted Monday, 8 February
WA seniors lack problem-solving skills
Almost seven out of ten Western Australians have insufficient problem-solving skills for the demands of everyday life, according to analysis released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
For prose, document, numeracy and health, approximately half of Western Australian adults (15-74 years old) assessed were found to be below the minimum literacy requirement deemed necessary to function effectively in a complex society.
Literacy was found to be poorest in the older age groups, among those with lower levels of education and those who were not in the employed labour force.
Lower literacy was also associated with lower income earners. Individuals with poor literacy were more likely to watch television; less likely to enjoy reading or use a computer or the Internet; and less likely to participate in both formal and informal learning activities.
Levels of adult literacy in Western Australia were generally found to be similar, or slightly above, the national average.
