Hobbies/courses for my 60 y.o mum

Jboyn on 12/01/2022 - 17:30
Last edited 12/01/2022 - 17:30

My 60 y.o mum has been out of the workforce for quite a while and has no friends or relatives who she can catch up with. Currently, apart from my wife and her grandson, she doesn't interact much with anybody else.

As part of encouraging her to take up a hobby/course, I've found the following:

  • Reluctance: because she's had very little to do for so many years, taking that first step is proving very hard for her. I understand that it takes effort but I'm finding this part difficult.

  • Woodwork course: When talking to her about finding a course, she mentioned she'd be interested to learn woodwork. The only such course I can find is through TAFE and my huge concern is that because this is a serious course that will require her to pass her tests and exams along the way, I believe it'd have a terrible impact on her if she was kicked out of the course for not meeting certain targets, measures etc.

  • Photography course: Similar to the above, I can't seem to find a casual course whereby she can study at her own pace without having to spend thousands or worry about exams or the like.

I managed to find out about U3A which is a university for older adults to study topics at their own pace. They have numerous campuses around Melbourne which is great but my mum claims that she hasn't found any topic that she's interested enough in signing up to.

What i'm seeking is the following:

  • Experience in a similar situation: how did you handle your parent(s) to encourage them to take up a hobby or to get out of the house.
  • Suggestions on a casual woodwork or photography course in and around Melbourne that she can conduct at her own pace.
Education & Work

Comments

  • Melencir on 12/01/2022 - 17:36
    +1

    Hearsay from a friend. They enrolled their granny into TAFE to be realtor. Granny was stressed by the exams, but loved it when she was certified. I think it was partially guilt to not want to waste course fees that pulled her through and just sheer stubbornness.

    What is the end goal? For socialisation? Find a group or club to join, or volunteer.

    • Jboyn on 13/01/2022 - 00:20

      Definitely for socialisation to keep her mentally stimulated but I can see that a little bit of pressure and a challenge would also be amazing for her.

  • Benoffie on 12/01/2022 - 17:47
    +1

    Was going to suggest U3A. Also WEA (or whatever your local equivalent is). Also try the CWA (yes, they're in cities too).
    Could look for free YT tutorials or similar. She could maybe start an Insta account and start happy snapping.

    • Jboyn on 13/01/2022 - 00:20

      Thank you so much, will definitely look into WEA and CWA

  • dtc on 12/01/2022 - 17:53

    VWA School of Woodcraft for woodwork? If they are actually running any classes.

    Centre for Adult Education for a bunch of courses on different things (and they also co ordinate book groups if thats a thing). Even have a photography course 'for seniors' (not that 60 is particularly senior)

    Consider a club like the Probus Club - they do all sorts of activities. So its not specific to a hobby but might be a great way to get her out of the house meeting people etc. Most of them will be a bit older than 60 (if my elderly relatives, who all belong to that club, are anything to go by) but not by much (65 - 70ish)

    Does your mum have any interest in getting back into the workforce?

    • Jboyn on 13/01/2022 - 00:21

      VWA and Probus, they both sound awesome and i'll definitely check them out.

      • ModdySwag on 15/01/2022 - 22:08

        +1 Probus
        My dad met his new partner here after mum passed
        Great people. Kind environment.
        The people that meet here are from all backgrounds and I'm sure a few meetings will spark something interesting.
        Good luck. 👍

  • Quantumcat on 12/01/2022 - 18:02
    +6

    Try getting her to learn bridge.

    All bridge clubs have beginners lessons starting regularly through the year. Very low pressure. Very nice people and will be very easy for her to make some friends. She is right in the target age bracket.

    After people take a course of lessons they usually play in "supervised" games where a teacher is available for anyone to ask questions on what to do if they aren't sure. Then after a few of those people usually play in normal sessions. But there are plenty of people who never graduate out of supervised games.

    If she isn't sure, you could get her to look at this free software for learning: https://www.bridgeshop.com.au/learn-to-play-bridge.html and see if it is her cup of tea.

    99% of people that play are over 60 and play just for the social aspect. And are exactly like your mum. Retired and wanting a regular hobby to do.

    • morse on 12/01/2022 - 18:11
      +3

      Good for maintaining cognition too, not only through socialisation but the game itself.

    • Jboyn on 13/01/2022 - 00:21

      Love this idea, definitely hadn't thought of this!

  • dasher86 on 12/01/2022 - 18:02
    +6

    Try to see if there's a local women's shed.

    • Jboyn on 13/01/2022 - 00:21

      Will do!

  • try2bhelpful on 12/01/2022 - 18:03

    If she is in Melbourne have a look at the CAE courses.

    https://www.cae.edu.au/short-courses/

    I’ve done a few of these in the past. They only require a few weeks of commitment and there aren’t exams. I did a t-shirt printing one and a calligraphy one. They were fun and you, actually, had something to show for it at the end.

    • Jboyn on 13/01/2022 - 00:22

      I attended CAE before - will have a look at what they offer, thanks for your suggestion.

  • serpserpserp on 12/01/2022 - 18:11
    +1

    More Grandchildren.

    • Jboyn on 13/01/2022 - 00:22

      😂😂😂 I think one is enough for a lifetime for us.

      • Melencir on 13/01/2022 - 11:48

        Fur baby 😂

  • morse on 12/01/2022 - 18:12
    +1

    volunteering at a local tool library? maybe some woodwork minded people there she can connect with and learn from as well as access to tools.

    • Jboyn on 13/01/2022 - 00:22

      Will definitely look into this, thank you.

  • serpserpserp on 12/01/2022 - 18:14
    +1

    Hopefully this helps with the woodwork idea: https://msfw.org.au/short-courses/

    • Jboyn on 13/01/2022 - 00:23

      Looks fantastic, thank you so much.

  • freefall101 on 12/01/2022 - 18:24
    +2

    Look up your local community centre and see what kind of programs they run. They're always cheap as chips.

    For things like photography she could look at joining the Melbourne Photography Group, they run events around the place all the time - https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/Melbourne-Photography-Group/

    • Jboyn on 13/01/2022 - 00:23

      Looks great, thank you so much.

  • Godric on 12/01/2022 - 18:26

    Get her on Sim 3, eveyone loves Sims

    • Jboyn on 13/01/2022 - 00:23
      +1

      This is actually an awesome idea!

      • Melencir on 13/01/2022 - 06:26
        +3

        Might like Pokemon go - will get her out and moving and exploring. Bonus if grandson likes it too - can be a family bonding thing

  • rompastompa on 12/01/2022 - 18:27
    +3

    Check your local community's Men's Shed. It may give her new friendships and skills to learn with no expectation or skillsets required. They'll likely do a bit in woodwork, too. You can also participate to assist her with any reluctance she may feel initially.

    AMSA recognises that not all sheds are exclusively for men and that some sheds choose to call themselves 'Community Sheds' as they may be open to female members.

    I haven't been to any to know whether it's good, but it's FREE!

    In the past we have charged a nominal fee but are now in a position to remove the charge for membership, making it free to all eligible groups. - Source

    how did you handle your parent(s) to encourage them to take up a hobby or to get out of the house.

    Have more kids for grand parent duties, though they can be exponentially expensive!

    • dasher86 on 12/01/2022 - 22:28
      +3

      Please remember a men's shed is a men's shed.
      You will need to check if she is welcome, and if they host a women's shed.

      • rompastompa on 13/01/2022 - 11:30

        Yep. There are heaps within 50km radius of Melbourne as linked above. OP will need to check which ones are closest that are open to female members (eg. Alphington, Maker Community, though they appear to a paid membership).

        • dasher86 on 13/01/2022 - 11:37
          +2

          Usually the memberships are fees are fairly reasonable and goes towards equipment and venue fees etc.
          Most of these organisations are NFP and run in coordination with local councils etc.

  • DASHCAM NOW DUDE on 12/01/2022 - 18:36
    +2

    Music is the spice of life!

    Never too old to learn an instrument.

    • Jboyn on 13/01/2022 - 00:24

      Agreed - thanks for your suggestion!

  • leelemon on 12/01/2022 - 18:42

    My mother is a teacher at SWSI TAFE. There is a lot of support available for students. You can get one on one help, email the teacher, plus remedial classes/tests. Generally, the teachers want you to pass - not only because a lot of them are nice people lol but it also benefits their stats :)

    • Quantumcat on 12/01/2022 - 19:19
      +1

      Oh yes I was going to say my grandmother did a lot of certificates through TAFE just for fun. Horticulture and interior design are two I remember. She is definitely not the sharpest tool in the shed but she still passed (with a lot of support). Unfortunately she can't do any more as her eyesight is deteriorating (too much work to read all the material).

      • leelemon on 12/01/2022 - 22:45
        +1

        Good on your grandmother :) it's a shame about her eyesight, but I always think it takes someone with a good head on their shoulders to go back to study as a senior, even if they aren't the necessarily 'book smart'.

        • Quantumcat on 12/01/2022 - 23:10
          +3

          I was quite impressed they were able to teach an 80 year old to use auto CAD when she is only barely competent at email and Facebook

    • Jboyn on 13/01/2022 - 00:24

      Will definitely have a look, thanks for your suggestion.

  • onetwothreefour on 12/01/2022 - 19:08
    +3

    My mum learned to drive after my father passed away, that was 16 years ago and she's still friends with her driving instructor to this day. She also did a painting course. She also got a new partner a few years ago too.

  • mskeggs on 12/01/2022 - 20:04
    +5

    Would she consider volunteering?
    60 is not very old (despite the younger demographic on OzB!) and she could be a very active and helpful contributor.

    There are general service clubs like Lions, Rotary etc. where fellowship is an important part, and they generally offer a range of areas to contribute.
    There are many specific volunteer opportunities, things like animal care, helping at the hospital, charity shops like salvos/St Vinnies. Environmental groups, politics, language study (my Dad meets up with an older bloke from China to practice English - Dad is still no good in Mandarin!).

    A course is nice, but people can be just there for the training. If you volunteer, you find the kind of connections you get in a workplace or team setting.

    • Quantumcat on 12/01/2022 - 21:04
      +1

      Also VIEW club

    • Jboyn on 13/01/2022 - 00:25

      Yes! She's definitely mentioned volunteering previously, will have a look at your suggestions.

  • kusama on 12/01/2022 - 20:29

    I know a good woodwork course in Knox area, not graded, just make projects you want

    • Jboyn on 13/01/2022 - 00:25

      Amazing, I'll check it out.

    • CatGrandma on 13/01/2022 - 07:58

      Any chance you would be happy to DM me details of this? That sounds like something that I would enjoy.

  • cookie2 on 12/01/2022 - 21:50

    Local public library and any groups/programs they offer for seniors and older adults. They offer things like ancestry.com activities, computers and social media use, book club, movie clubs etc. Obviously she'd also pickup reading, watching movies etc. Check out your local council and what their community centre offers. Volunteering, such a variety out there, just check out govolunteer.org.au or similar. I'd steer away from tafe, only because i think focusing on more "social" things will be more beneficial for her due to a degree of isolation.

    • Jboyn on 13/01/2022 - 00:26
      +1

      I'll have a look, thanks heaps.

  • trex on 12/01/2022 - 23:06
    +1

    I heard OzBargain can be a good hobby.

  • Jboyn on 13/01/2022 - 00:19
    +3

    I am seriously so blown away by this incredible response. Thank you all for your amazing suggestions, I have so much to work with for now. I will still be reviewing new suggestions as they come through.

  • Ade99 on 13/01/2022 - 07:58
    +2

    Local OpShop?

  • CatGrandma on 13/01/2022 - 08:04
    +1

    See if you have a community house somewhere locally. The one near me runs a bunch of short courses and they're all cheap. The only courses that need assessment are things like first aid where you get a qualification at the end.

    There are also lots of places that need volunteers, not just places like op shops, but some more interesting places like Puffing Billy or the Rhododendron gardens. Tourist information centres also usually need volunteers.

  • afah0447 on 13/01/2022 - 10:47
    +2

    Join a local grass roots political party that is focussed on getting rid of the incumbent useless LNP member who is aiding and abetting Morrison in driving this country into the ground through his incompetence and mismanagement of the covid crisis.

  • WT on 13/01/2022 - 13:04

    gym classes, aerobics, yoga etc

    a few weeks ago a yoga class hit the syndicate

  • moar bargains on 13/01/2022 - 14:18

    Something like this? https://www.theshedmelbourne.com.au/allcourses

    Also consider things like pottery (lots of fun) or art classes? But it sounds like what she really needs is a regular volunteering or commitment to a community organisation, where she can attend regularly and meet people to build relationships over time. So the classes might be a secondary idea that she could pitch to do as a bonding activity with some of the people she meets. I.e. join Lions/Rotary/something, to meet some people and then do a woodwork/art/pottery/photography/other class with them as a fun activity to build the friendship.

  • dayta on 13/01/2022 - 16:44

    My mother loves U3A. Seems to be a social club more than serious study, it seems to be low-expectations, everyone just getting together to keep active.

  • OzHunterNSW on 13/01/2022 - 20:49

    Ask her. You can't impose your ideas upon her. It's about passion. How can someone have passion when they are TOLD to do something. Ask her,

  • Sleeqb7 on 14/01/2022 - 11:14

    I'd also recommend Probus.

    My mother is mid 60s and recently moved states, she joined Probus and now has significantly more social activities than I do. Decent variety of things to do.

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