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An active, healthy mind is an important asset in later life.
Older people continue to need fresh opportunities to learn new skills, that can enable them to take on new roles and responsibilities, and to continue with their personal development
Although the reasons for learning can vary widely, generally speaking, learning needs in later life fall into two main areas.
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Learning for life – also known as cultural, personal or leisure learning.
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Learning for work – for older people in all age groups who would like to remain or become economically active
Whatever your motivation for learning, ESF will help you identify the resources that will assist you in your quest for knowledge.
Older people struggle to learn new tricks, new research shows
Older people are being robbed of the chance to play an active part in society because they can’t access new skills through adult education according to leading older people’s charity Help the Aged. New research launched today (29th July) shows that two thirds of older people (64 per cent) are put off attending adult education courses because of the threat of crime when they go out, while four out of ten people aged 65 and over struggle due to lack of transport, high course fees and inadequate information about available courses.
On-line Learning - Learn Direct – Fifty Forward
Learn Direct has just launched a new website - fifty forward aimed at the over fifties :
While there is a lot of useful information on the site about health, relationships etc; a quick scan of the content gives the impression that learners are still directed to the learn direct careers advice website when they are looking for educational courses, thus reinforcing the impression that so far as life-long learning goes this site caters for people over fifty but still of working age, in line with the government commitment to get as many people into work as possible.
Over fifties in the upper age brackets are, it seems, still expected to do it themselves!
A Forum Member’s success with Learn Direct
ESF member Joan Sumner has been studying locally with Learn Direct and recently passed her English and Maths GCSEs. Congratulations Joan!
Here’s what Joan had to say about Learn Direct.
Older People's Engagement Day
Representatives from the Eastbourne Seniors Forum recently attended an “Older Peoples Engagement Day”.
Over 50s are doing it for themselves!
As we discovered during the recent ‘Older Peoples’ Engagement Day’ restrictions on Government funding for adult recreational courses, increased funding on adult education to equip people for employment and the age limits for educational grants and student loans have put formal learning out of the reach of many over 50s on low and fixed incomes.
You’re Never Too Old To Learn
Brian May, guitarist with the rock group Queen, has been awarded an honorary fellowship by Liverpool John Moores University in recognition for his contribution to astronomy and services to the understanding of science.
