ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how older workers, aged over 45, have moved through different work and learning contexts as their careers and identities have developed over time. The strategic biographies of ve older workers are traced, as they responded to the challenges of continuing to develop their work-related learning, careers and identities. These ve have been chosen from a research sample of over 100 individuals in order to illuminate three broad patterns of response: up-skilling, re-skilling and disengagement. The cases demonstrate the value of learning while working as this helped individuals keep their skills, knowledge and competences up-to-date and maintain a positive disposition towards learning. Access to opportunities for learning and development is crucially important, though some individuals were much more proactive than others in taking advantage of these opportunities.
