Get the facts

Learning:

• keeps our mind sharp
• improves memory and helps keep our brain smart and active
• increases self-confidence and optimism
• can maintain our sense of 'advancement' rather than 'decline'
• offers an inexpensive way to try something new
• can save us money as we learn to 'do it ourselves'
• gives us a feeling of accomplishment
• helps us meet people who share our interests
• can add to our social life and help us develop new contacts
• builds on skills we already have
• offers us an opportunity to learn a new skill or trade and increase our income
• gives us a new interest that we can share with family and friends

Did you know?

• The National Adult Learning Survey (2005) showed that 73% of adults had participated in education and training in the previous year. (We like to learn!)
• The work place itself is becoming a more important driver for learning. The proportion of people strongly agreeing to the statement 'my job requires that I keep learning new things' has consistently moved upwards - rising from 26% in 1992 to 30% in 2001 and 35% in 2006.
• The proportion of people strongly agreeing with the statement 'my job requires that I help my colleagues to learn new things' rose from 27% in 2001 to 32% in 2006.
• Increasing numbers of older people are choosing to participate in education and learn new skills, including using computers and the internet. In 2002, 51% of people aged 60 to 69 in England and Wales engaged in some form of learning as opposed to 47% in 1997.
• Of UK males who are active online, the over 50s age group is the most prevalent.
• More retired people are studying than ever before. The number has risen by 3%, from 16% in 2006 to 19% in 2007.
• And the number of over 75s who are engaged in learning has risen by 5% to 15%, according to a 2007 poll.

Currently, half of the people in the UK without a level 2 qualification are over the age of 50 and seriously under-represented within formal learning circles. And those who do continue to train (generally those who are already better qualified) are much more likely to remain in the workforce than those who don't.

Find out more about funding

• In general, older adults have the lowest level of formal qualifications. They are the least likely age group to volunteer for training in the workplace, and the least likely to be offered training by their employers.
• As part of the Government's Skills Strategy, any adult without a level 2 qualification can get free tuition for a qualification up to and including level 2, anywhere across the UK. A level 2 qualification can be a GCSE Grade A* to C, an Intermediate GNVQ, a BTEC 1st Diploma or an NVQ Level 2.
• For more information about funding your studies, visit learndirect careers advice's funding pages.