About This Publication
This NIACE policy paper has been produced after consultation with a range of interested agencies. It maps some current policy developments, summarises recent research into older people’s learning, and makes proposals about what a proper service of learning for older people might look like.
Learning can make a real difference to the quality of life and work for older people. It can help them stay longer in work, improve their health and wellbeing, and support them in facing the challenges of retirement and late old age. Despite this, the focusing of public policy on vocational education for young people has led to a major drop in the numbers of older people on publicly funded courses in recent years. However, a number of policy developments suggest that change may be on the way.
Learning can make a real difference to the quality of life and work for older people. It can help them stay longer in work, improve their health and wellbeing, and support them in facing the challenges of retirement and late old age. Despite this, the focusing of public policy on vocational education for young people has led to a major drop in the numbers of older people on publicly funded courses in recent years. However, a number of policy developments suggest that change may be on the way.