Learning in later life: Essential skills and older people

Friday 8 November | 12 noon – 1pm | A Lifelong Learning Week event

 

 

Essential skills – including literacy, numeracy and digital skills – are key to supporting adults’ opportunities throughout life. These are skills as fundamental as understanding the dosage instructions on an aspirin packet, estimating the cost of a weekly shop, or filling out forms to access welfare support. The proportion of older people with low essential skills is thought to be higher than among other age groups. However, much of the evidence focuses on the prevalence and impact of low essential skills among younger people and people in the workplace.

In partnership with Age UK, this webinar aims to raise awareness of poor essential skills among older people (aged 50+) and the impact this has on their lives. It takes place during Lifelong Learning Week, an annual week of campaigning activity in England, focusing this year on ‘The case for learning’.

Learning and Work Institute will share insights from new research commissioned by Age UK exploring older people’s experiences of essential skills. We will also consider recommendations for policy and practice on how more older people can be supported to develop their skills.

Speakers will include:

  • Alex Stevenson, Deputy Director, L&W 
  • Hazel Klenk, Research Manager, L&W 
  • Chris Brooks, Head of Policy, Age UK 
  • Jacqui Lawson, Ways to Wellbeing Activities Coordinator and Martin Lewis, Wellbeing Coordinator, Age UK Leeds
  • Katie Easey, Head of Learning Delivery, WEA
  • Christin Cieslak, Head of Programmes and Stakeholder Engagement, European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) 

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Discover more about Lifelong Learning Week 2024

Part of our flagship Festival of Learning campaign, Lifelong Learning Week offers the opportunity for organisations, education providers and lifelong learning advocates to collaborate on conferences, talks, learning taster sessions and more.