Learning That Changes Lives
CLL Survey Reveals Positive Impact on Wellbeing and Community
A new survey of students at the University of Strathclyde's Centre for Lifelong Learning (CLL) has highlighted the powerful impact of adult education on wellbeing, social connection and lifelong personal development.
More than 400 learners took part in the 2026 CLL Student Survey, with an overwhelming 91% reporting that their studies have had a positive impact on their wellbeing. Nearly half of respondents said the effect had been very positive, underlining the important role lifelong learning can play in supporting healthy, active and fulfilling lives.
The survey also found that more than half of students (54%) have made new social connections through CLL, while 63% said they felt part of a learning community. The findings reinforce the Centre's role as a place not only for education, but also for friendship, confidence-building and meaningful engagement.
Learning for curiosity, connection and growth
Students cited a wide range of reasons for returning to education. The most common motivation was a personal interest in a subject, selected by 72% of learners, while 58% said they were motivated by mental stimulation and 37% by opportunities for social interaction. More than a third also said they were keen to learn new skills.
The survey paints a picture of a highly engaged community of learners. More than 83% of respondents already hold a university-level qualification, including postgraduate, master's and doctoral degrees, demonstrating a strong appetite for continued intellectual challenge and personal enrichment.
History emerged as the most popular subject area, attracting the interest of 58% of respondents, followed by languages (42%) and creative arts (37%).
Supporting active and healthy ageing
The findings also highlight the importance of learning opportunities later in life. Nearly 78% of respondents are retired, while 86% are aged over 60, demonstrating the significant role education plays in supporting active ageing.
Many students described CLL as providing structure, purpose and opportunities to remain mentally active while developing new interests and maintaining social connections.
The Centre's age-friendly approach was identified as its most distinctive feature by 64% of respondents, ahead of its range of classes (60%) and teaching quality (58%).
Connecting learners to Glasgow's cultural life
The survey revealed strong links between lifelong learning and cultural engagement. Almost two-thirds of learners regularly visit major cultural venues such as Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, while many also attend events including Celtic Connections, Glasgow Film Festival and Doors Open Days.
Importantly, 62% of students said attending CLL classes helps them feel more connected to Glasgow city centre and its developments, highlighting the wider civic impact of the programme.
Strong satisfaction and lasting loyalty
Students continue to express high levels of satisfaction with the CLL experience. Ninety-eight per cent said they were satisfied with the length of classes, while 81% were satisfied with class frequency.
Word-of-mouth recommendations remain one of the Centre's strongest recruitment tools, with nearly three in ten learners first hearing about CLL through friends or family.
The findings demonstrate that lifelong learning delivers benefits far beyond acquiring knowledge, helping learners build confidence, improve wellbeing, form lasting friendships and remain actively engaged in their communities.
As one learner reflected in the survey: "It's good to have a sense of purpose, to continue learning and meet like-minded people."
For hundreds of learners across Glasgow and beyond, CLL continues to prove that education has the power to enrich lives at every stage of life.
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