Positive learning experiences in childhood, adolescence, as well as during employment have a favourable effect on learning in old age. From a gerontological perspective, the significance of school education and of professional qualifications attained later in life for educational behaviour in the post-employment phase can be explained with the continuity theory. To evaluate the relevance of one’s educational biography, a representative survey was conducted. 500 individuals aged from 50 to 75 years who participated in an educational initiative within the last twelve months and 200 people who had not pursued any such activities were interviewed. The results of the data analysis demonstrate that continuing education in a professional context is closely linked to continuing education after retirement.