A Better Future for Us All: A Policy Paper on Older People and Learning

This report is about learning and older people. In the UK, one person in three is over 50, and the numbers are rising. People are living longer, and while some of these years are healthy active retirement, some are spent in poor health. In both cases, learning can make a major contribution both to the well-being of older people, and their contribution to society and the economy. However, the potential is often wasted, because few older people participate in learning, and what is available to them is poorly coordinated. The report discusses the benefits of learning for older people, the problem, and a strategy. Since these issues are relevant to many areas of public policy, the report is addressed to a wide range of agencies and organisations, especially at local level. This includes all those with a concern for the well-being of citizens and society: not only those with explicitly educational purposes, but also those whose main concern is with the economy, health and social care, finance and culture. The following are appended: (1) A Picture of Older People's Learning in England; and (2) Some of the Partners. [This paper has been produced collaboratively with an array of expert partners who form the National Older Learners Group.]