A rise in adult learners aged 60+

Here at Open Study College (OSC) we're proud to have a real variety of learners all studying for many different reasons. Which is why we're pleased to reveal that we've seen a 39% increase in enrolments from adult learners aged 60 and over!*

There are a number of reasons people typically choose to take up the distance learning path, including: those who are unable to physically attend a college or university due to suffering with mental or physical health; caring for family and home responsibilities whilst learning; individuals looking to upskill; or students that need to learn new skills and gain necessary qualifications for a new or change in career.

More recently however we've seen a significant number of older students joining OSC purely because they want to keep on learning in their later years about subjects that are of interest to them, providing purpose and keeping their minds active. 

John, 74, from South Gloucestershire said: “It's important to keep the intellect alive in later years and completing a course and receiving the accreditation acts as a tremendous boost to one's mental health.” 

Marilyn, 70, from Truro said: “I am 70 going on 29 years old. Physically I am doomed but will not be mentally. This is my tenth course with Open Study College, and I hope there will be more. To retirees thinking about taking a course online I would say ‘go for it’.” 

Linda, 75, from Worcestershire said: “I am enjoying the course at Open Study College and I’m lucky to have been able to choose, for the first time, what it is I study.” 

Our CEO Samantha Rutter, said: “Learning new skills shouldn't stop when retirement starts. We couldn’t be prouder of all the students in the Open Study College family, and those that are continuing to study and excite their minds well into their years of retirement really help solidify our ethos of making education accessible to all.  

“It’s interesting to see how life-changing events such as the global pandemic can contribute to how people chose to spend their free time, and in our research it’s clear that some of our older students are keen to keep on learning about subject matters that really interests them or was once integral to their careers and lives.  

“This increase in older generations studying proves that learning is more accessible than ever before. We work incredibly hard to ensure that we adapt our courses for the young and young at heart. Many of our courses come with the option of studying online or via a paper-based study pack where course materials are sent to your home. We know that this is often a preferred method of studying with our more mature adult learners. 

"Our learner services team and personal tutors are also on hand to guide students through their course, and for those with additional needs we can provide our materials in larger fonts or on coloured paper where required. Making learning more accessible is always going to be one of our top priorities and we hope to see more retirees benefit from learning with us.” 

You can read John, Marilyn and Linda's stories in full on our blog, and we thank them for being a great inspiration to others looking to study later on in life. They're proof that you're never too old to learn!

Find out more about courses for adults.

*The statistic is based on figures comparing 2018 enrolments with those in 2020 during the global pandemic.