*Over 50 *Pay £200,000 *Slow Brain*No IT Skills*Outdated Education* Must Work In An Office*
You are correct in thinking this job description is ludicrous. So what can we do to get the older generation back into work and become a productive part of society? Education is the answer, but our educational systems are not allowing this to happen because they are not taking into consideration our disabilities and allowing over 50s extra time on tests and exams to gain up-to-date qualifications. We need education equality!
So what are the over 50’s disabilities, you ask? Unrecognised medical problems, including slower memories and menopause, and lack of up-to-date technology skills.
I am one of 3,000 students over 50 enrolled in UK universities. It is not an encouraging percentage when considering the unemployment level for those over 50 is 500,000. With the retirement age in the UK now at 67, older people are re-entering education to gain new skills for employment. Many of us are returning to stay competitive in today’s workforce. Encouraging older adults to gain new skills and support themselves financially benefits individuals, society and the economy.
Cognitive changes within our ageing brains are well-researched and documented. The American Psychological Association suggest that by age 50, mental processing speed has declined by about 20%. Dr. Denise Park, a cognitive neuroscientist, explains that older adults cannot recall information as quickly as younger adults. “When you’re younger, it’s like retrieving a file from the top of a well-organised cabinet; as you age, it becomes more like rummaging through a drawer.” In an exam, where speed is critical, our slower processing puts us at a disadvantage, and additional time would allow older students to demonstrate their knowledge without being unfairly penalised for age-related cognitive changes.
I was born a woman, and I face unique challenges due to menopause, which affects my memory, focus, and mood. The North American Menopause Society says hot flushes can last anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes and occur frequently, especially in high-stress situations like tests. Dr Pauline Maki, a professor at the University of Illinois and a leading expert on menopause, says, “Estrogen helps with memory function, and when levels drop, it’s common to experience cognitive changes”. In Maki’s article in The Journal of the North American Menopause Society, she explains that nearly 60% of menopausal women report difficulties with memory and attention. This research confirms my physical and mental changes with menopause, which is a medical condition that hinders my ability to focus during exams. Dyslexia, ADHD and Mental Health Conditions within some educational organisations are all classified as disabilities needing additional time during exams. Menopause should be on that list!
Then there’s the challenge of new technology. When I first started school, pen and paper were the norm. My last form of education or partaking in any computer course was over 33 years ago. The oversized “pregnant” monitor, fax machine and TV remote control were significant parts of my earlier years. If my computer broke, turning it on and off would fix the problem. Today, accessing my university exam requires a 26-digit password, and navigating it and answering within a time limit is frustrating. It’s not that I’m unwilling to learn; it simply takes longer to become familiar with these tools. Studies show that older adults are less confident navigating technology than younger generations. Through my eyes, children today are clutching electronic devices almost straight after birth with a proficiency that undermines my competence.
In my experience, not having extra time for exams is a significant challenge. I’ve tried using “special” glasses to help my eyes adjust to looking at a screen, but switching between the screen and the blank paper I use for notes creates confusion. This adjustment is challenging for my older brain, unfamiliar with the fast-paced, multi-screen formats that younger students have used for years. On top of that, hot flushes contribute to brain fog and physical discomfort, heightening my stress. As a result of my disabilities, I struggled in my recent Politics Exam and ran out of time to answer 25% of the questions.
Our over-50 clocks are ticking. To be productive in society until our retirement at 67, we must act now for parity. I urge you to join my first small steps to gain equality and legalise the disabilities of older people by passing a “law” or something similar to allow over 50s additional exam times in any educational test. Who knows, we may just then qualify for this job:
*Over 50 *Pay £200,000 * IT Skills* Advanced Education* Must Work 3 Days A Week From Home*
Soozi’s Grown Up Life 