Lifelong Learning and Ageing

We have established an international reputation for our work in the field of older people and lifelong learning. We have received grants from a variety of funding sources, including the ESRC, the LSC and the European Union. One of our principal goals is to influence policy and practice through our work.

Why learning and ageing?

Across the world, societies are getting older; the UN has said that population ageing is ‘transforming the world’. There are many political and public policy issues related to the ageing society, ranging from allocation of public expenditure through pensions and retirement age to health and social care.

Does the ‘longevity revolution’ represent a threat or a real opportunity? According to the research being undertaken by the Leicester team, lifelong learning has a vital role to play in helping older people and their families to live independent and fulfilling lives.

Professor John Benyon, Director of Research in the Institute of Lifelong Learning, said:

Read more about the importance of lifelong learning and the benefits of learning for older people.