Channel 4 Headquarters, London , 05 Apr 2011

A Lifelong Lifeline?

New Technology and Lifelong Learning in an Ageing Society

By 2025, it’s estimated that 22% of the UK’s population will be pensioners. With the economy in turmoil and the state pension age set to rise, older people will need to work longer whilst continuing to develop their skills. The older generation’s ability to participate and engage fully in society will depend on being able to continue learning through life. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, how can we ensure that this expanding age group receives access to the content and tools that will inspire and enable lifelong learning?

Click on the links below to view the panel discussion and audience Q&A, chaired by David Puttnam including Julia Middleton, Chief Executive, Common Purpose; Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director, Age UK; Charles Clarke, Visiting Professor of Politics at University of East Anglia and Trevor Phillips, Chair of Equality and Human Rights Commission.

The evening began with an introduction from Jeremy Isaacs, who paid tribute to the late Naomi Sargant and Andrew McIntosh.

This is the third Naomi Sargant Memorial Event. Naomi Sargant became The Open University’s first woman Pro Vice-Chancellor in 1974. In 1981 she became founding Senior Commissioning Editor for Educational Programming at Channel 4. She was also an honorary graduate of The Open University. After her death in 2006, her husband, Lord McIntosh of Haringey (who passed away 2010), established the Naomi Sargant Memorial Lecture in her memory. The lectures are jointly organised by Channel 4, The Open University and NIACE (the National Institute of Adult Continuing Learning).