Learning in Later Life: Motivation and Impact

Lifelong learning is an important part of government policy. Aside from the major drive towards improving the skills of the economically active population, it is recognised that participation in learning has wider health and social benefits.

The Department for Education and Employment commissioned this study from IES to explore the impact of learning on older people, in terms of social and community activity and involvement.

The study also provides information on patterns and characteristics of learning among a sample of people aged between 50 and 71, their motivations for learning, reasons for not learning, barriers to learning and other aspects of their lives.

The research brief is available to download.