Introduction In Learning to Grow Older and Bolder - a NIACE policy discussion paper - Carlton and Soulsby (1999) maintain that investing in more and better learning opportunities for older people might reduce health and social welfare costs now and in the future by encouraging the retention of independence for longer. The Institute for Employment Studies study Learning in Later Life: Motivations and Impact (IES, 2000) discusses the benefits learning can have for older people including increased self-confidence and motivation and an increasing willingness to take on responsibility. The Fourth Age Learning Report considers if the same arguments apply to people in their fourth age (4th Age) - a stage of life where there is some level of dependency on others for care. It considers if those who provide care also believe that stimulating those in their charge through learning and other activities lessens dependency and reduces the cost of medication and care. The report also assesses the amount and quality of learning provision in the residential and care setting and the attitudes towards that provision. The report does not attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of a very complex field, however, it raises a number of issues for further consideration, particularly for those responsible for educational activities within the care environment. The study, funded by the Department for Education and Employment (DfEE), has been undertaken by Jim Soulsby, NIACE.

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