Leicester Learning and Ageing Group

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:

Learning can assist older people in all sorts of ways, for example in understanding financial and legal matters, making more-informed consumer choices, developing new skills and interests, and understanding social, political and technological changes. Adult education helps to overcome social exclusion and isolation, can further active citizenship amongst older people, and brings benefits in fields such as housing, crime and safety, and arts and culture.

 

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

 

Life expectancy has been increasing since 1840 – and looks set to continue. Some commentators and politicians see the ageing society in negative terms and as a drain on public resources. But, John Benyon argues, the changing demography presents opportunities as well as challenges.

Read more in The Longevity Revolution by John Benyon, from Political Insight, April 2010

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Contact us

For more information about LLAG's work or to enquire about working with us please contact:

Professor John Benyon

jtb2@le.ac.uk    0116 252 5922

Latest News

Current Vacancies:

Senior Lecturer - Director of Learning and Teaching - Reference Number: SSC00401

Lecturer in Management Practice - Reference Number: SSC00400

Lecturer in Counselling (0.8 FTE) - Reference Number: SSC00399

 

Vaughan College Lecture Series

The Institute of Lifelong Learning presents a series of public lectures as part of the new Vaughan College Lecture Series, to be held at Vaughan College in Leicester City Centre. 

 Find out more and register your free place

Institute of Lifelong Learning celebrates student success

Part-time students at the Institute of Lifelong Learning were congratulated on their commitment and dedication at an award ceremony on Wednesday, 6th February at The Fraser Noble Building.

Cert. Pres. Eve 2013

 Depeche Mode or Johnny Cash? What does your music taste say about your spirituality?

Clive Marsh at the Institute of Lifelong Learning, has released his latest book: Personal Jesus: How Popular Music Shapes Our Souls.

Clive's Book

Clive Marsh (left) with co-author Vaughan S. Roberts and Bobbi Jo Heyboer, Senior Director of Marketing at Baker Academic

Vaughan College 150th Anniversary Celebration

A second event to mark the 150th Anniversary of Vaughan College took place on 24 September 2012 at the College, with an evening of talks, student discussions and a book launch.

 

Pic 4

Image. From l-r:  Cynthia Brown; Denis Rice (ex-Warden of Vaughan College)

More News
  • Part-Time Tuition Fee Loan Applications - NOW OPEN. Read more
  • Learning leads to success for mature student. Read more
  • Creative writing student pitching at Crimefest. Read more
Seminar Series 2011

Join us for our Seminar Series: Lifelong Learning, Older People and Society

Details will follow shortly

Part-Time Tuition Fee Loan for 2013 - Online Applications Now Open

Apply Now

 

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In this three minute interview you will hear from current students talking about their experiences of studying with us

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