Seminar on learning and ageing Tuesday, September 8, 2009 - 15:31

After a heavy focus on learning for working adults, Building a Society for All Ages, and its companion from Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS), The Learning Revolution, give a welcome boost to the learning needs of people in the last third of their lives.

The NIACE seminar gave participants the chance to prepare their own responses to Building a Society for All Ages or to contribute to NIACE's response, in Leicester on Thursday 10 September 2009.

Professor Stephen McNair, NIACE Associate Director, said:

"Ageing has been a major Government priority for the last 5 years, but education policy has focused strongly on the demands of the labour market. This White Paper, together with its companion on informal learning - The Learning Revolution - gives a very welcome boost to the learning needs of people in the final third of their lives."

"We particularly welcome the recognition of the diversity of older people, that people need training and education to stay longer in the workforce, but also to build rewarding lives outside it. It is also pleasing that the new Adult Careers Service will recognise that people go on needing help to plan their lives after they have left paid work."

"The Government's plans are ambitious and NIACE is ready to offer what support we can to ensure that an educational thread runs through such a complex mix of interlocking services. We urge our members to contribute their specialist knowledge and insights in responding to the White Paper's consultation questions by 12 October 2009."

Participants included people who plan or provide educational programmes for the over 60s or people who are responsible for strategies to promote their well-being and social engagement.