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?

[MuggleWuggle]

My dad attended a nearby university that did semester long courses and attended lectures, wrote assignments up until he was 75. Each course was only a semester long with 1 lecture a week. He loved it, learned lots about things he was interested in and met lots of other people. If you're worried about the pass/fail aspect of A levels why not look at what study and courses are available that don't have that element. Good luck to him whatever he ends up doing.

[PersianCatLady]

When I did the first year of my degree there was an 82 year old woman on my course
There was a 60 year old on my Business Law degree but she was only there for a year as well.

[meck]

I was thinking of doing physics A Level even though I did GCSE, A Level, Degree many a few years ago. Physics was the one I ummed about and did other science instead. (sorry, you really wanted to know that )

I don't think it's a bit pointless. Learning for the sake of learning is never a waste, quoting from somebody upthread!

[littlemissneela]

62 is not old, and by doing an A level it might help stave off memory problems. My dad does jigsaws for the very same reason, and he is almost 70, and I would never say it was a waste of his time to do an A level if that was what he wanted to do :)

[Gobbolinothewitchscat]

I'm . That's horrible.

Was he kind and encouraging to you as a child? If so, return the favour

[GiddyOnZackHunt]

Has he been seduced by Prof Brian Cox?
Even if he does badly he'll learn stuff. I only got a D in maths A Level 30 years ago but it pushed me to think about stuff in a slightly different way.

[PaulAnkaTheDog]

Encourage him! Dont discourage him!

[Rockingaround]

😀 he won't fail I bet he'll ace it! 62 is so young, it's a good challenge for anyone to set themselves and plus : www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/news_article.php?newsID=2562
It'll put him in food stead for the future

[Rockingaround]

*good stead (sigh)

[Mycatsabastard]

I won't repeat what everyone else has said but my dp is 58, went back to college four years ago and did a course which has given him a new qualification and he's now using that to get a new, better paid job. He starts work in three weeks so rather than doing the manual work he's done for years, he will actually be based in an office doing a job he's interested in.

You are definitely never too old to learn. I hope you encourage your dad.

[IFailDaily]

Are you always so negative?

[TwoLittleBlooms]

Yes, you would be very unreasonable! You are never too old to learn (not that 62 is old!) Why does there need to be a "point"?

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

My dad got interested in local history a few years before taking early retirement (he was a maths teacher), and he spent his retirement learning as much as he could - and he ended up getting his Maaters - we were so proud of him, and it made his retirement a wonderful time for him.

I am considering doing some more qualifications, at the grand old age of 51 - not for any career reason, but simply for the joy of learning and mastering something new.

I assume your dad wants to study for the same reasons - and you should encourage him because keepinf himself mentally active will make him happier and more fulfilled, will give him valuable social contacts, and will help him have a healthier and happier retirement - all good things.

[hunibuni]

My dad is nearly 70 and is having a ball doing MOOCs and attending free lectures that interest him at various Universities. He didn't go to University so he's making up for it now!

[AnotherPrickInTheWall]

For personal fulfilment?

[TheQuestingVole]

My grandma did English Lit A Level after she retired! She was very very proud of her pass.

[meowli]

My Mum got her degree when she was 66. I think it's great that it''s never too late!

[QuackDuckQuack]

Schools now try to ensure that pupils recognise learning as enjoyable so that they are starting on a lifelong journey of education.

Studying can be a hobby. If you consider hobbies and entertainment a waste of time and money, then you could lump learning in with them.

Do you have any hobbies or do anything for entertainment OP?

[LordRothermereBlackshirtCunt]

I have a 70 year old PhD student who is fab - brilliant at research, full of energy, loves finding out new things and has been travelling in Asia to complete her project. She's the same age as my mother, who sits at home doing bugger all, getting more and more immobile and detached from the real world. I know which one I'd rather be like when I get to that age!

When I retire, there are three different masters courses I'd like to do!

[RunRabbitRunRabbit]

Don't you ever learn stuff just for the fun of it? Never been on a random course at the local education college just because you wanted to? Try it.

I have a half secret plan to do a PhD when I retire from my proper job. I doubt I will get round to that before 70.

[80sMum]

I think it's great that your dad's doing his A levels in his 60s!
I have been thinking about perhaps studying for a degree once I have retired, in a few years time. I have never thought of it as a waste of time, quite the opposite in fact! It would be something for me to do that keeps my brain active and would be a goal to aim for - and give a sense of achievement if I actually succeed!

[RunRabbitRunRabbit]

Ha! X-post with LordRothermere . Rock on septuagenarian PhDs! I'm doing to do something in physics or maths. Probably.

[MrsJayy]

I do random courses every year i love it Im thinking of learning Gaelic this year even though I am a lowland Scot

[musicposy]

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

Why should he fail? I think statistically he is less likely to. Should he be more stupid because he is older? Sheesh.

I'm just redoing my maths A level - I'm 50 in a couple of months. I failed it at school and didn't want it to be something I never achieved, so it's purely for satisfaction. There are 125 students doing maths at my large college - 5 are mature students. All 5 are doing really well and the other lady in her 50s and myself (the oldest two) are right at the top of the 125. The tutor said this is very common; they find that mature students have the motivation and enthusiasm so tend to do well.

I collected my AS result yesterday and got an A grade which included 100% on one of the papers. I'm therefore picking up Further Maths next year as well.

I may or may not ever use it for anything but it's keeping my brain sharp and warding off the menopausal fog into which I was descending. I'm on the course with virtually all 16/17 year olds - they've been lovely and treated me brilliantly. I'd hate it if they were secretly thinking it was pointless as I'm old!

You still could have masses of life left at 62 - what are you meant to do? Curl up and die?

[KC225]

I think it's great that your Dad has taken inspiration from his grandchildren. How flattering for them. He will be able to talk to them about it ask advice etc. He sounds great