Table 4 Challenges associated with meetings and ongoing education programs that have become more difficult with age
Challenges impacted by age-related factors | Reported reasons why each is more difficult |
|---|---|
1. Travel to meetings and conferences | Age-related factors: |
In particular: | â–ª Less stamina, staying power for long distance driving |
â–ª Long distance and night driving to meetings | â–ª Night driving: |
|  |    - Glare of lights, vision not as sharp |
|  |    - "Lots of signs, adds to confusion" |
| Â | Exacerbated by: |
| Â | â–ª Ergonomics of smaller and lower cars |
| Â | â–ª Tight time frames (rushing) |
2. Participation in ongoing education | Age related factors: |
In particular: | â–ª Difficulty retaining 'new learnings' |
â–ª Going to educational courses | Exacerbated by: |
â–ª Difficulty learning new skills eg. surgical procedures | â–ª Can't find time to go, can't find the time to read about courses |
â–ª Negative responses to older workers wanting/participating in training | â–ª Locations - hard to get to (see travel difficulties) |
|  |    - Usually located hours away - time to get there and back |
|  |    - Very early leaving and very late getting back |
| Â | â–ª Attitudes toward older workers showing an interest or participating in courses: |
|  |    - Offered to younger staff in preference |
|  |    - Feeling of being overlooked for courses, "you'll be retiring soon" ...but a prevailing belief it is more likely older workers will stay in a place for longer |
| Â | â–ª In contrast, participants also reported that some workers "flatly refuse to go/change or learn - doggedness" (which doesn't help those who want to) |
3. Hearing speech in video and teleconferencing meetings | Age related factors: |
| Â | â–ª Deteriorating hearing - 'noise induced' for some |
| Â | Exacerbated by: |
| Â | â–ª Nature of communication system |