The DfEE's Lifelong Learning website has a copy of the The Fourth Age Learning Report, a study into the benefits of learning activities for the dependent elderly.

The report backs up previous studies that maintain that there are clear benefits to investing in learning opportunities for older people, not least in terms of reducing health and social welfare costs now and in the future by encouraging the retention of independence for longer.

However, the study also revealed that Fourth Age learning provision is inconsistent, as there are many agencies with responsibility for providing care and/or activity.

The study was undertaken by Jim Soulsby, NIACE, (National Institute of Adult Continuing Education), the National Organisation for Adult Learning.