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

[redsector]

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?

[TheEternalForever]

Let him do what he wants. My nanna did her Maths GCSE when she was in her 60s, purely to prove to herself that she could. She's very proud of getting it. It's his time, money and effort, if he doesn't think it's a waste then it isn't. Good luck to him! :)

[MissElizaBennettsBookmark]

That's fantastic 4cats!! Well done

[SarfEast1cated]

Well done 4catsaremylife .

[GreenGlassLove]

From a professional point of view, no there's probably not much point. From an educational point of view there's every point, it's never too old to grow and to learn. There's ladies in DS2's ballet class in their 60s, people in DS3's judo club starting in their 50s, DS1 swims with a 70 year old who only learnt last year, it's never too late!

[lozzybeast]

Yes YABU! I agree with all the above posters that learning is never a waste. I did a course a few years ago where the eldest member of the class was 82! Who says it is a waste?

[4catsaremylife]

Crikey, I'm 54 and just finishing an MSc having worked straight from school ("girls like you don't go to university")Then I was busy raising my 3 dc (all of whom did go to university), finally made it to uni aged 48 graduated with a BSc hons last year and I submitted my MSc dissertation today. I am hoping my new qualifications will free me from minimum wage, short contract working. Education is never wasted encourage him to continue keeping mentally active.

[MistressDeeCee]

You'd hate for him to feel bad if he fails? Thats a bit condescending isn't it? He was alive long before you were, I assume he's learned to roll with the punches in life

Its great he's motivated Id be happy if my dad wanted to do this. Its never too late to learn and its fine to learn for learning's sake. Doesn't always have to be goal/career driven

[Sc00bysnax]

When someone you know says they do not want to do anything then that is when you need to worry ! ! !

If your Dad at 60 or 100 wants to whatever he chooses that is brilliant in a positive way !
Age is no barrier
With the internet there is effectively no age limit, he could eventually teach others and share his knowledge eg timebank

[Jeanibee]

I am a grandmother , I went to college while in Spain to learn Spanish .
Now having tuition to Alevel . Love the language love learning .
(I am 67 ) Rather than discourage your father , you should be proud .
If nothing was ever ventured because of the fear of failure nothing would ever be achieved . That applies to all ages .

[Strifae64]

My FIL is doing a Psychology course and he's 72! His mind is so active that although he could have retired last year he doesn't want to and is looking for new part time work when he "retires" from his current care job.

[LagunaBubbles]

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

So basically you just wanted/expected everyone to agree with you.

However well done for realising yabu.

[itisi]

I'm interested to hear exactly why you don't see the point op?

[LargeTeaPlease]

I just turned 60 in June. I have spent the last year attending a college course in the evenings studying computing. I had full encouragement from my family and work colleagues.

[Brighteyes27]

Yabu I did a GCSE in literature when I was 19 a lovely old man of 74 was in the class. He brought much to the class and the class was richer for having him there. I would be glad he is interested in learning and life.

[Isetan]

Op, why so negative and patronising ("I'd hate for him to fail"), is that the type of logic you'd apply to your children or is just purely ageist. You must know about the benefits of 'use or lose it' and the benefits to society in general, to have people like your father and his outlook.

Your response to your father's plan, says more about you than it will ever say about him.

[EllieHJ]

You should encourage him to do as many A-levels as he wants and maybe go on to a Degree and Masters! 62 is not old! My hubby is 61 and we have 3 kids under 13. Buy him a nice pen and notebook and say you will be there to celebrate when he passes! Mature students tend to do well in exams because they are more interested in learning and have less distractions than teenagers. Good luck to him!!

[Andibee9]

I am a bit surprised most of you are saying that it's fine as long as it's a hobby and not as preparation for work! Who says you can't further your career at his age? I'm not that much younger than this inspiring dad, and have recently completed a university degree, to give me the edge at work.
Many people our age will not now be eligible to retire for a good while yet - why can't we improve our cvs and look around for new jobs if we wish?

[MapMyMum]

Sorry just seen OP changed her opinion, dont have time to properly read through 16 pages on one thread ...

[MapMyMum]

YABVU so because hes older he shouldnt invest time and money on himself???

[blitheringbuzzards1234]

I can see what you mean but if he enjoys it and it helps to keep his brain ticking over where's the harm? Education or knowledge is never a waste of time.
All sorts of things could be considered a waste by those who aren't enthusiastic about them. Crosswords/quizzes could be thought a waste but they are entertaining and keep your brain cells in gear.

[Knockmesideways]

Redsector you definitely should take up the things you want to!

I studied for management qualification at the OU when I was 38 years old.

I've taken short courses in jewellery making over the past 6 years and have just launched my own on line shop at 53 years old.

My friend, who is a SAHM, is studying geological open courses at the OU. She doesn't want to go into that line on work but she's interested in the subject and didn't have time before - now her youngest is at nursery she's got a couple of hours a day so she's going for it. Who knows where it may lead though?

My friend became ill a few years ago - not life threatening but it meant being out of work for a year or two. She did a stock take and signed up for a floristry course as she had done amateur bouquets through looking through books. She's now won half a dozen awards and has her own floristry company. She is now 52 years old.

Age is a number. I know people who have stagnated at 30 and others who learn something new every few years.

[Floisme]

Ahem, I'm only a couple of years off 62 myself and there's no need to try and tell me I'm young. I know it's well meant and I don't want to sound churlish but it comes across as a tad patronising. Young people do not have a monopoly on curiosity and desire to learn.

Op I'm sorry you're still getting a kicking from people who can't be arsed to read the whole thread.

[Flisspaps]

Sootica that was my first though too!

OP do you think learning has an age cut-off, or is it only worth doing something new if you can reach the highest possible level?

[superjan99]

There were two people in their 80's in my degree course years ago.

[toopeoply]

This thread is inspirational. I'm all fired up to learn something new today.