ABSTRACT
Are there any further grounds for optimism in relation to learning in later life? We begin this final chapter by reconsidering the implications of our study in the light of a challenging new perspective on the role and potential of lifelong learning. We will then assess the contribution that our study has made to thinking specifically about later life learning, including the usefulness of adopting a life course approach. We will go on to make some suggestions as to how opportunities to learn in later life might be broadened and improved. Finally, we will identify some aspects that would benefit from further research in order to address some of the existing gaps in our knowledge.
