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AIBU?

WIBU to tell my 62 year old dad there's no point in him doing A-Levels!?

398 replies

redsector · 19/08/2016 23:36

My dad has apparently been inspired by his grandchildren! to do a couple of A-Levels. He's a brainy old folk and has recently been told of a discount in tutoring (what my dc used as family friend) so would like to give it a go. Surely it's a waste of time/ effort/ money, etc!? Or do I just roll with it?

OP posts:

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TheSpottedZebra · 19/08/2016 23:38

If he wants to, then surely that's the best reason?

noblegiraffe · 19/08/2016 23:38

It's great that your dad still wants to use his brain and learn stuff in later life.

One of my old teachers who must have been in his 50s did a different A-level every year, I think he had about 20.

Couchpotato3 · 19/08/2016 23:39

Why is it a waste of time? If he wants to do it, then it's none of your business and it would be rather unkind of you to say something like this to him. Why shouldn't an older person do an A level if they fancy it? Does there have to be a point, other than the enjoyment of studying and the satisfaction of achieving something?

GreatFuckability · 19/08/2016 23:39

learning is NEVER a waste!

ShatnersBassoon · 19/08/2016 23:39

It will be like a hobby, I assume. He's not doing it to improve his CV, but because he can and wants to. It's no more a waste of money or time than any other hobby.

BewtySkoolDropowt · 19/08/2016 23:40

Why is gaining knowledge a waste of time effort and money?

What is the 'cut-off' for learning?

YABVVVU

EdYouKateShaun · 19/08/2016 23:40

62 is not old! I hope I still want to learn new things at 62 and not have my children tell me feel like my life is over.

redsector · 19/08/2016 23:40

Oh! Okay. I didn't realise how positive the responses would be, fair enough...

OP posts:

Arfarfanarf · 19/08/2016 23:40

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

PurpleDaisies · 19/08/2016 23:40

Yes! Don't be such a spoil sport. He could be spending his money on s cruise, or a hobby or whatever. If he's learning about something he likes he definitely should go for it.

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeG0es · 19/08/2016 23:40

I can't think of a single reason why he should not do it. I'd love to do more A levels.

ineedamoreadultieradult · 19/08/2016 23:41

I think it's a good thing. My dad is 63 he is studying A level French he is doing an online course, goes to evening class and has a tutor for 2 hours a week. He loves it it is keeping his brain active and helping him regain confidence after suffering a stroke. Why people feel the need to discourage others I don't know. There may be 'no point' in the sense of job prospects etc but that's not the only reason to study. I hope he does it and enjoys it.

EnquiringMingeWantsToKnow · 19/08/2016 23:41

If he was planning to use this as a springboard to a career as a surgeon then you should disabuse him. But if he just wants an A level for the hell of it (as seems to be the case) then why on earth not?

Shizzlestix · 19/08/2016 23:41

Yabu. Why shouldn't he? Not your onions.

situatedknowledge · 19/08/2016 23:41

Never a waste to learn, and he really isn't that old. I read about someone doing a PhD in their 90s recently, and have just finished a degree myself at 51!

pennygoodlife · 19/08/2016 23:41

I think he's brilliant having the motivation. Having some goals in life are important

WhitePhantom · 19/08/2016 23:42

The enjoyment of studying and the satisfaction of achieving something - couch has nailed it.

Don't try to put your dad off. Give him every encouragement!

NeedAnotherGlass · 19/08/2016 23:42

How is it a waste of anything?
Don't just roll with it, encourage him - be nice.
He sounds like a fantastic role model.

redsector · 19/08/2016 23:43

Well, I guess that's me being told! I just didn't see the point... I guess it's a good thing but I'd hate for him to feel bad if he fails or something

OP posts:

pinkhousesarebest · 19/08/2016 23:43

Gosh 50 and 60 year olds continuing to learn and develop. How presumptuous.

ColdTeaAgain · 19/08/2016 23:43

No different to paying out money for a hobby he wants to do. What's the harm?

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 19/08/2016 23:43

My Dad did A levels and went to university after he retired. He said it was the best thing he could have done. He felt that learning something new and mixing with young people stopped him getting old and staid.

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ChablisTyrant · 19/08/2016 23:43

And given the evidence on brain exercise and dementia I think this is an excellent idea! My dad returned to education at 60 and it has been the making of him.

winewolfhowls · 19/08/2016 23:44

He sounds like a legend good luck to him

Bluechip · 19/08/2016 23:44

YABVU. Learning is a good thing and that doesn't change as you get older - in fact lots of health benefits to keeping your mind active. I'd be thrilled if my dad wanted to engage with new areas of learning - in fact I've just helped my mum complete an application for a distance learning course. She's 65.

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