More to be done with IT education
Leave it to the younger folk to crawl away and die rather than face the frustrations of modern technology. Older people should embrace the opportunities for new learning experiences! The trouble is, public policy changes are sorely needed to help them do so.
In a new article in the journal Political Insight, John Benyon, director of research at the Institute of Lifelong Learning at the University of Leicester, argues in The Longevity Revolution: “Lifelong learning can play a pivotal role in helping aging people and their loved ones to live independent and fulfilling lives. The mindset that getting older is the end of the enjoyment of life is now passé.”
Older people, like all citizens, face a bewildering array of new information, tools and techniques that can be effective with necessary life skills such as legal, financial and retirement planning. Mastering these resources is a challenge and can be discouraging for anyone, older adults and their families included.
The study indicates that many educational needs of older people are not being met, and that opportunities and participation have dropped off in recent years.
However, when older people do reach out to develop new skills and interests, and understand social, political and technological changes, Mr Benyon asserts that they feel less overwhelmed and isolated and may fare better in today’s economy and society.
He laments that very little public policy has so far been discussed, let alone changed, to support the educational and other needs of older people who remain actively involved their communities and society.
