OTTAWA - A new study says many Canadians, especial those from lower socio-economic groups, lose significant literacy skills during adulthood.
The 1994-2003 study by Statistics Canada suggests literacy is not a static commodity acquired in youth and maintained throughout life.
It came up with "compelling'' evidence that, on average, some groups of people lose literacy skills after they complete formal schooling, but the amount of skill loss differs considerably from group to group.
The loss of literacy skills in Canada appears to be a gradual process that begins at the age of about 25, peaks at around 40, and tapers off during late middle age (55).
For example, adults aged 40 in 1994 had average scores of 288 on a standardized literacy test, but nine years later that score dropped to about 275.
The agency says most Canadian adults lose about one grade-level's worth of literacy skills over their lifetimes.
This was largely influenced by exposure to education, employment and the amount of reading done at work .
