A term used in the learn-and-work ecosystem to describe a lifelong approach to education and workforce development that spans from early childhood through older adulthood. Unlike the traditional phrase “cradle to grave,” this framing emphasizes the increasing importance of ongoing learning, reskilling, and employment opportunities into later life as people live and work longer. In practice, “cradle to grey” calls for integrated policies, pathways, and programs that ensure equitable access to education, training, and career navigation across all stages of life.

Examples in practice include:

• Age-Friendly Universities (AFU): Institutions that commit to expanding access, curricula, and services for learners across the lifespan, including older adults.
• Lifelong learning initiatives: Governmental efforts that fund reskilling programs for mid-career and late-career workers.
• Employer programs for older workers: Workplace models that encourage continuous upskilling and create intergenerational teams, recognizing the value of older adults in the workforce.