Older people make the best use out of their Grey Matter
4 Feb 2009 06:44 PM
What activity promises better health, eternal youth, and a vibrant social life? These are just some of the reasons why older people are going back to learn, according to a new research report by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, launched today at the Burlington Hotel. The report, called 'Don't Stop Me Now', was funded by Age and Opportunity.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Older People Minister Máire Hoctor said " "Don't Stop Me Now" highlights the wealth of skills and experience that we have in this country. Older people can and want to contribute, the challenge is to provide them with the opportunity to participate in meaningful and purposeful education"
The Minister was addressing an audience of 250 older learners at a special event as part of the AONTAS Adult Learners' Festival, which takes place nationwide all this week. The Forever Young Choir from Finglas performed at the event, drawing from their repertoire of popular songs by U2 and Sinead O'Connor. A number of enthusiastic older learners took part in the day - including Al O'Connor, who writes and manages his own blog at the age of 84.
We live longer lives now - by 2025 it is predicted that 36% of the population will be aged 50 plus. In fact by 2036 it is estimated that older people (65 years and older) will account for one fifth of the population. The health benefits of education have already been documented by the Institute of Public Health, which has identified a link between lower levels of education and poor health.
'The research identified that one of the main issues faced by older people returning to learn is that many of the courses on offer are geared around employment', explained Berni Brady, AONTAS Director. 'For example older people expressed a huge interest in learning how to use technology more proficiently. Social networking, and mobile phones provide fantastic opportunities for older people, particularly those who are housebound - but the training needs to be delivered according to the needs of older people themselves. The social aspect of education is really important for older people, it's not just about learning a new skill; getting out of the house and meeting new people is also hugely important.'
There are a number of initiatives around the country which use innovative approaches to developing training for older people. For example the Active Senior IT Society LTD in Terenure has set up IT training for older people delivered by transition year students. Meanwhile the Embrace IT over 55s project In Drogheda delivers a number of taster programmes in technology designed particularly for older people, forming a productive partnership with Meteor phone company in the process.
This afternoon the group will put together a manifesto for older learners, to be used in the lead up to the local and European elections. In addition, a number of events are taking place around the country all aimed at older learners - from 'Computer for the Terrified' in Kilkenny, to 'Surfin' Time' in Cork. More information is available on the Festival website www.adultlearnersfestival.com.
'Learning is not just about gaining new skills', concluded Ms Brady. 'It's also about improving our capacity to cope with change.'
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Niamh Farren, Communications Officer
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Note to Editor
1. 'Don't Stop Me Now' - Research on the Lifelong Learning Needs of Older Learners, was supported by Age and Opportunity and produced by AONTAS in 2007. The research is available from www.aontas.com.
2. This year's Adult Learners' Festival is kindly sponsored by the FETAC, ICTU, the TUI, the ESB, and the Department of Education and Science. More information on events that are happening is available from www.adultlearnersfestival.com
