"It's never to late to learn". The importance of lifelong learning.

The human mind is a complex organ, and one that needs to be kept well oiled. The world is getting older and this large group of older people also have a lot of free time - and the threat of illness of the body and mind is omnipresent. Continuing education among older people is vital. Not only for entertainment and leisure, but to ensure that the brain continues to tick over and to stem the approach of diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Studies conducted in the UK have found that continuing education can help keep MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) at bay for longer. So who is educating the world’s older people? How can the older generation continue to be engaged with learning long after they check out of work for the last time? There has been a lot of discussion about reinvesting in the "third age", especially as the baby boomer generation is just about to tip over into retirement. Those who are retired have money, time, and have lived through major technological upheaval. They’re skilled and don’t necessarily want to step back just yet. Many universities offer courses aimed at the older generation, but as this population grows in number, demand is outstripping supply. While the older generation may see education as a chance to try out a new career, or learn new skills, remaining part of the community is also a factor that drives people into study. Additionally, those who missed out on university first time around, at 18, are often more enthusiastic about developing new skills and re-learning. In 2012 professor David Latchman, master of Birkbeck University, said “it’s never too late to learn.” Latchman elaborated by quoting a survey undertaken at Birkbeck, which found that for those undertaking postgraduate courses, the most important motivation for studying was personal development and 10 because they  missed out earlier in life. As the world’s population ages, there is a clear, growing commitment to nurturing educational opportunities. 

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