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?

I read an article once about a woman who did a GCSE in Russian as something to occupy her after her husband died - they were both in their sixties. She progressed to A-level, then degree level, and at the time of writing the article was lying in bed in Moscow in a friend's flat, listening to church bells. She wrote that she'd have never believed it if you'd told her all this would happen after the age of 65

Good on your Dad op!

Of course he should do it! My MIL is doing French at OU. (They never go to France.) She's 72.

My dad retired and did a new degree to keep himself busy and loved it. That's now my plan. When I turn 60 I'm definitely studying again. Definitely sounds more fun than watching TV or pottering around the garden.

My gran sat an exam in her 60s. She never had the chance in her youth as she was expected to get a job at 14, despite being top of her class. I think she just wanted to know if she could.

She studied at home, and sat the exam at a school in a room full of teenagers, and passed.

I'm massively impressed by her, it must have taken some nerve.

Brilliant! Kudos to your dad!

There are always a thousand reasons not to do anything. He won't fail, and if he does, who cares? Failing's a thousand times better than being too scared to try. Life's short.

OP, is there anything behind all this? Is there anything you'd like to take up but you're worried about being too old?

My dc often mention older people who are doing their college courses. They get annoyed as they are so enthusiastic and do so well in exams. Not dragging themselves in with a hangover. I think it's when you get near to that age ( I am) you realise anything is possible at any age. All you need is motivation and lots of encouragement.

YABU. I have had lots of over 60's doing my OU course over the years and they were amongst the most enthusiastic and hard working students. Not saying they always got the best grades but much nicer to teach than the increasing numbers of twenty something's that wanted a degree with minimum effort.

I see you've admitted YABU but

Or do I just roll with it?

You don't need to do anything as its none of your business.

I'd hate for him to feel bad if he fails or something

And how would you el if he does well...?

My 62 year old father spends most of his time swigging wine out the bottle. I'd love it if he wanted to do a couple of A levels.

OP, as a result of parental pressure I did science a levels, and went on to do sciences at uni. However, my real passion were languages, specifically English lit and French, and were it physically possible when I was 16, I would have chosen to do 6 A levels. The one thing I always vowed was that I would do those other 2 A levels (my real A levels) at some point. It's been a dream of mine now for over 25 years and I intend to do it. I would lose all respect for my child if she tried to question me, didn't encourage or support me if I choose to do it when I am 62. After all, I will have spent her whole life encouraging and supporting her. It's a two way street.

That's fantastic. Encourage him! If you discourage him you could do lots of damage as the implication is you think he'll fail (even though that won't be what you mean or say).
Gaining a sense of achievement is not a waste of time or money.

Yabu. Learning is not just for a "career"

I have a whole string of a levels etc I would like to study when the kids are older/I retire! Possibly even a degree (If I win the lottery...)

My old next door neighbour did degree after degree in his retirement (mainly in languages). He was such a fascinating person to talk to, with the liveliest brain at the table well into his nineties. It's good for mental health, good for society.

I have been considering re-doing my A level History. I got an A grade the first time round, but I'd like to do a different time period.

OP - thanks, I think I'll go and see what's possible. btw, I'm in my fifties.

Why would you want to put him off?

Sounds fab - and I'd be encouraging him all the way. It would be a challenge and then an impressive success to achieve an a level or two, especially when older and you've been out of education for a while.

And why a wage of money?

No more a waste of money than any other hobby or interest really.

My dad is semi-retired and at the age of 70 is doing his third degree. He is doing it through the OU - just for fun! I figure if it makes him happy, why not?

Seriously when i was doing my a levels we had an 'old' lady doing it with us. She was in her 80s and got an e (grade didnt matter to her). She made the class as she did the subject as she was interested in it (archaeology) The teachers said she did a different a level every 2 years...her reasoning...she brought up children and never had the chance and wanted to keep her brain active. We 18 year olds learnt alot from her. Learning is for life...why shouldnt your dad do an a level! It gives him an interest, keeps his brain active and will inspire the rest of his class and his grandchildren. Well done your dad. He is a legend! 😍

Nick Skelton is 58 years old and won an Olympic gold in horse jumping yesterday. He came out of retirement after 16 years. Imagine if his family had discouraged him?!

I'm genuinely baffled that anyone would have such an attitude OP and it was you that didn't feel your 16 year old should learn diving too?

Is there more to this? Maybe you should explore why you have negative views or is it something to do with your own achievements? I'm not being unkind, I think you should use this thread to have a think about why you posted.

Thinking a bit more about this, and noting the dive thread...

Do you think you're inclined to try to protect those you love from failure? Because you can't bear the thought of them being upset? Their feelings about failure aren't yours. Learning to deal with possible failure is important. Protecting people from failure by discouraging them from following their dreams is not the best way of loving them...

YES YWBU. I went to a GCSE night school class some time ago and the oldest person there was 80 something. It was great to have such a variety of ages/experience in the class and imo learning new things is great - whatever age.

I went to my mums graduation ceremony this year- she is 66 years old and now has a degree in human rights studies. For no particular reason other than she wanted to. She will never use it for any career reason but she loved every single minute of doing it! Please don't discourage your Dad.

I think you are being a tad ageist OP. Age is not a number, it is a state of mind. Some people are old at 20. Long live the revolution!

Ah super good for him. I think your dad sounds like a bit of a legend!

You are being ageist OP. I am 64 and learning German for fun. At my evening class several people were older than me.
I think education is wasted on the young