Learning helps mental wellbeing Monday, November 9, 2009 - 17:31

The number of people in the UK aged 65 or over was greater that those aged under 16, for the first time in 2007. There are challenges to ensuring that older people can lead healthy and productive lives for as long as possible and a NIACE event - Mental wellbeing and learning for older people, held in London on Tuesday 9 November 2009 - explored how access to lifelong learning opportunities can help.

Maria Tolly, aged 75, from London, spoke at the event. Maria was unable to continue her job as a professional guitarist after acquiring a disability, but after learning how to use music production software she can continue to make music. She is now producing sophisticated new material for creative dance projects at a local primary school and for after-school dance clubs.

Maria Tolly, said:

"The difference [learning] has made to my life is immeasurable. Each week I've been astounded at the diversity of what I can do with the aid of this music software and it's only the beginning of an exiting learning curve which promises to continue. Learning new technology makes me feel I am still an active member of this fast world. I can almost feel my brain sparking with delight as I get the hang of it."

Other speakers at the event - coordinated by NIACE, Foresight within the Government Office for Science and the Royal College of Psychiatrists on ‘Mental wellbeing and learning in older people' - included:

• Professor David Morris - Director of Inclusion Institute
• Professor Barbara Sahakian - Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Cambridge
• Stephen McNair -NIACE Associate Director
• Dr Susan O'Connor - Department of Health, New Horizons
• Fiona Aldridge - NIACE Programme Director, Research

Mental wellbeing and learning for older people also provided delegates with the chance to discuss the key issues facing older people in today's society and how world will look like for older adults in 2025.

Kathryn James, NIACE Programme Director for Mental Health, said:

"The place of older people in our society is currently characterised by wasted potential. Mental wellbeing and learning for older people will explore the role of lifelong learning in unlocking the potential and resources within older people for the benefit of themselves and society"

"Figures show that 40% of older people attending GP surgeries and 60% of those living in residential institutions are reported to have poor mental health. These stats together with age discrimination in the workplace, the raising of the retirement age, the rapidly changing labour market and increased life expectancy make a learning and skills approach ever more important in maintaining mental health and wellbeing for older people."

Stephen McNair, NIACE Associate Director, said:

"Society is changing, presenting us with challenges for the future. Demographic changes show that the normal lifespan is increasing; the population is ageing and becoming more diverse. Globalisation, technological and social changes mean that most people will experience more change during their lifetime than any other previous generation."

"If people are to lead satisfying and productive lives, they will need to learn throughout this extended lifespan, constantly building and maintaining their employment, engagement with society and their autonomy and identity capital."