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?

[AtSea1979]

OP I'm quite shocked by your post, I hope when I'm only 62 my DC don't write my off like you seem to have your DF. Have you always been so ageist? Is it just your parents you are like this to or all people over a certain age?

[LostSight]

My father did maths with the open university when he was older than that. Be glad he wants to keep his brain active. There is some thought that it can prevent / delay Alzheimers. Anyway, why not? What else is so important that he can't do something with his time and money that he will enjoy?

[daisychain01]

Or do I just roll with it?

So your father has to ask your permission does he?

Fair enough ........

[PovertyPain]

Are you looking forward to getting older, OP, and having your children look down at your attempts to do something interesting?

[BoaConstrictor]

Why is he going to fail?
I'd like to do Geography A level and possibly Maths too & my only chance to do those will be once I've retired. My Spanish needs brushing up too.

[LuckySantangelo1]

My dad completed an MA and had a whole change of career in his 60's. You're treating your dad like he's got one foot in the grave by saying there's 'no point' to him continuing his education.

[Deux]

Don't be such a kill joy. Your dad obviously sees his glass half full and you seem to see it as empty.

As everyone else has said, learning is never wasted. And so what if he fails. He's a fully fledged grown up.

What you should be saying is - great dad, that sounds terrific.

Support, encourage and don't mock.

[elephantoverthehill]

What A'levels does he want to do?

[TyneTeas]

YABU for the reasons above, although if it is more hobby learning free MOOCs may also be worth a look at

Something like www.futurelearn.com

[LisaMed1]

You should do all you can to exercise your brain as you get older. Watching my older family, it makes a massive difference to the quality of life and the ability to keep your mind working.

btw you will not be retired at 62. You will likely to have another ten years of working when you reach that age.

[GiddyOnZackHunt]

Isn't the advice to keep your mind active as you get towards old age? It'll certainly do that.
What subjects is he interested in?
My grandad got his first PC at 80. I have an email he sent me not long before he died. Very special.

[someonestolemynick]

Sorry the thread didn't go your way

If it helps you can think whatever you want about it, but unless he is paying for tuition with money he can't afford, ywb very unkind to be anything but supportive.

It's a great idea because...

• It will boost his confidence
  
• keep his brain stimulated
  
• broaden his horizon
  
• might inspire your kids to study harder at university
  

Etc

[MissElizaBennettsBookmark]

YABU

It's never too late to learn, and if your Dad uses his brain he is less likely to get Dementia...

[Creatureofthenight]

Good for your dad. Good to keep the brain active, and you're never too old to learn something new.
Why are you so against it?

[TheGruffaloMother]

Learning for the sake of learning is never a bad thing

[ImperialBlether]

On my degree there was a retired miner, who'd dreamed of having a formal education all of his life. He absolutely loved the course (philosophy/politics). For your dad, though, what about looking at his local university - there are some great courses running in the day and evening and you don't have to take exams.

[Fortitudine]

Yes you are!! He could easily have another 20 or 30 healthy years ahead of him, and learning certainly keeps your brain sharp (I'm sure there's more scientific evidence than how I put it there).
My dad started learning Welsh in his 70's and was still learning and meeting people for conversation classes when he died in his 80's. He bought his first computer at 81, booked himself onto a computing for seniors class, and never looked back. 62 isn't old - you ought to be pleased he's doing things like this!

[MrsJayy]

I know a woman a retired Dr (medical) who did another degree and graduated at 67 she was an amazing woman never ever to old to learn good for your dad

[redsector]

Sootica... Maybe there's a reason for that

Maybe I really should be more fucking encouraging in life.

He wants to do Physics and Maths.

[Mrskeats]

Only 62? Blimey I'm 50 and planning on doing a PhD when I retire. I didn't go to university till I was 32 and spent 5 amazing years getting qualified.
Learning is a wonderful thing and there is lots of evidence that it delays dementia and other nasties.
A professor of mine once set us a piece of reading that was incorrect and he said well sorry about that but no knowledge is ever wasted it's all good for your brain. I've never forgotten that.

[livinginabox]

When I did the first year of my degree there was an 82 year old woman on my course. She had decided to enrol to broaden her horizons and do something different. She was ace.

[PersianCatLady]

A lot of older people do courses at night school like flower arranging or creative writing.

I think that some of them do it so they can meet people with similar interests.

Personally I would have thought that A levels are much better (and interesting) than the courses I mentioned above.

[Rainatnight]

Good for him! What a brilliant idea. I hope he goes on to do a degree.

[DollyBarton]

I think it's wonderful, what a character. You should be proud of him, not dismissive because he's what, old?