Older people, learning and work Friday, November 12, 2010 - 16:00

Enhancing Informal Adult Learning for Older People in Care Settings is a NIACE project which showed that providing learning opportunities for older people in care settings can reduce isolation; improve both physical and mental health; reduce dependence on medication; improve recovery rates; reduce dependency on others and lead to a greater enjoyment of life which gives residents something to look forward to.

However, prompted by a lack of rigorous research evidence to support these claims, NIACE has undertaken a follow-up research project. The new project will identify the potential cost savings and efficiencies gained through the introduction of adult learning opportunities for older people in care settings, through the development and implementation of research tools a number of Local Authority settings.

NIACE will:

• develop a set of research tools and provide support for Local Authorities to implement them;
• collate the data and bring together all participating Local Authorities in a seminar to discuss the process, findings and implications of the research; and
• produce guidance for all Local Authorities on the benefits of learning for older people in care settings.

Dr. Fiona Aldridge, Head of Research at NIACE, said:

"We are looking for Local Authorities who have a good cross-departmental working between social care and adult learning departments and who already provide learning opportunities for older people in care settings, to work with us as part of this research project."

"This project will help identify and demonstrate the value of the work that's currently happening in this area. It will help define the contribution of providing learning in care settings to the health sector and the wider Local Authority, including potential cost savings to budgets."

As part of the BBC's Living Longer week, NIACE Research Associate, Stephen McNair, was interviewed by eight local BBC radio stations. During these interviews, he spoke about a recent NIACE report on how learning can make a real difference to the quality of life and work for older people. Older people's learning and a related blog post by Stephen McNair can both be accessed online.

To recognise the inspirational learning undertaken by on older person you know - a friend, a relative, a colleague or someone you teach - nominations are now open for the 20th Adult Learners' Week Awards. The Senior Learner of the Year Awards recognise extraordinary individuals who have had inspirational learning journeys that have helped them transform their lives, often beyond what they ever thought was possible.