British students 60 years and older in 1985-86 were studied in order to learn about their age, sex, marital status, employment background, the subjects they study, their reasons for studying, how they study, and what they think about their studies. Considered by the researchers to be the largest survey of older students, the study involved 2,254 students in Britain's Open University and 1,418 students taking courses at other adult education institutions. Analysis of questionnaires returned by the subjects revealed the following points: (1) more males than females were in courses that led to qualifications, and more females than males took courses that do not lead to qualifications; (2) there were no other significant differences between the backgrounds of older students undertaking Open University study and those undertaking other forms of study; (3) many students move between institutions from year to year; (4) most of the subjects had enjoyed school and had undertaken further study throughout their lives; (5) older students at all the institutions were from a wide range of occupational groups, although there was a predominance of white-collar workers; and (6) the subjects' rather traditional learning styles might be a reflection not of their preference but of what is offered to them. The appendixes provide: (1) detailed research findings in charts and text; and (2) the two survey questionnaires. (25 tables and 7 figures) (CML)