There is no escaping the media coverage on many of the issues faced by our ageing population.  However, little attention has been given to the lack of support for their learning needs.  Despite promoting lifelong learning Government’s agenda for adult education is now very much focused on qualifications and skills linked to the economy and young people.

The Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) is taking the lead in responding to the situation through the Older People Learning project which aims to identify new ways that learning for older people can be delivered and change current policies by engaging with Government in creating a shared vision of what learning for older people can achieve.  To date the project has been extremely popular with over 300 older people taking part in the past 12 months. 

As part of the project the WEA is hosting a major conference showcasing the benefits of involvement in later life learning.  The conference will be addressed by leading researchers and will draw upon the experience of older learners.  The WEA are particularly pleased to welcome Gene Cohen, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Centre on Ageing at George Washington University as keynote speaker.  Dr Cohen is an internationally recognised academic and author, whose work includes several seminal books on the health benefits of creativity in later life and the invention of award winning intergenerational board games.

The conference itself takes place on Tuesday 17 June, 10am – 4pm at the Hilton Hotel, Templepatrick. 

• For more information on the conference click here.
• To book your place at this conference online click here now.