Report highlighting the benefits of non-formal learning for older men in Belfast to be launched

A report from the Changing Ageing Partnership which highlights the benefits of non-formal learning for older men in Belfast will be launched at a conference in Australia today (Friday 26 February).

The Northern Ireland report Older men's Learning beyond the Workplace will be launched alongside Australian research at the Men's Learning and Wellbeing Forum at the University of Ballarat in Victoria.

The study, by researchers at Queen's University Belfast, focuses on older men's attitudes and experiences of informal, community-based learning in a number of communities in Belfast where specialist provision has developed.

Dr Rob Mark, Older Men's Project Coordinator and Director of Education in the School of Education at Queen's University Belfast, said: "Many older men in Belfast grew up at a time when educational opportunities were the privilege of a few. They left school at an early age taking up employment with only a basic education. For many, the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in a supportive educational environment has not been an option.

"Living through a period of civil unrest has compounded this problem and many older men have found themselves facing uncertain futures in a world that values skills training and qualifications as a pre-requisite to entering the job market.       

"This study has examined how older men can benefit from new types of informal learning, outside a formal classroom setting. As well as helping older men acquire new skills and knowledge, the study found those who took part in community-based education felt a sense of enjoyment, belonging, friendship, empowerment and achievement.  

"Older men are experiencing an awakening to the many educational and health benefits of these new found opportunities, where they can learn together in a relaxed, supportive, familiar environment in their own locality. The new learning environment provides mental stimulation and a sense of belonging, helping prevent psychological regression and related illnesses, particularly among older men who lack social and family ties.

"While we can highlight the many benefits of engaging with lifelong learning the attitude among many is that education is 'not for them. By asking existing learners to help recruit others from similar backgrounds, employing approachable teachers and peer tutors, and developing learning programmes in consultation with learners, we can begin to redress the imbalance and encourage more men to get involved in community-based learning."

Associate Professor Barry Golding of the University of Ballarat, Australia said: "There is growing recognition of the difficulties faced by some men who are not in the workplace. Our research in Australia and in Belfast confirms the great value to the community of gathering, learning and doing things together, as well as to men's wellbeing and productive ageing.

"The launch of this Northern Ireland research in Australia is symbolic of the links that have been established between Ballarat and Queen's and the benefits of sharing research methods and findings in this important area."

When the research is launched this week in Australia, participants will discover how informal learning in community-based contexts in Belfast has provided a lifeline for older men in an environment where health problems, dealing with loss, recovering from past trauma and coping with 'new' emerging situations can be addressed.