Title: Advantages and Limitations of Older-adult Volunteer Facilitators Conducting a Well-being Course in the Provision of a University’s Open Studies in Japan
Stream: Lifespan Health Promotion
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Authors:
Naoko Suzuki, Tokushima University, Japan
Abstract:
As the population of those aged 65 years and above has sharply increased in recent years, the issue of ways in which their potential manpower as ‘volunteers’ and ‘workers’ can be utilised has been receiving excessive attention in the Japanese society. This study thereby intends to indicate the advantages and disadvantages for elderly volunteers by employing a case study of two female elderly volunteer facilitators. These women have launched a ‘well-being’ course as a pair in a university’s open studies programme, comprising giving brief lectures on various topics and later facilitating small group discussions among the participants to stimulate their brains through social participation and conversation. The participatory observations and informal interviews with these older volunteer facilitators before and after the course were undertaken by the author, who was supervising their roles as a researcher in the process of the course. The study found that these older volunteers can demonstrate competent leadership, particularly in facilitating effective conversations in each of the groups by referring to their life experience and vast knowledge about human nature. Yet, difficulties were observed in terms of classroom control, such as how to deliver a convincing speech, how to respond to unexpected reactions from participants and how to treat those with special needs. It is therefore suggested that the institution seriously deliberates over and defines the role of ‘volunteers’ in this context and considers to what extent they should be further trained so as to be resilient while encountering various challenges.
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