Programme full

Wednesday 15 April 2015 11:00 - 12:30
PAPER SESSION 2
Still Learning Beyond Retirement: The Experiences of Older Volunteers in Woodland Conservation
Bingley, A., Collins, A., Varey, S., Oaks, R.
(Lancaster University)
As the UK government seeks to increase the contribution volunteers make to communities through the 'Big Society'
agenda, there is increasing State reliance on conservation volunteers to actively manage and conserve sustainable
woodland. Conservation work attracts an intergenerational volunteer workforce, including older retired people, who
benefit both physically and mentally from challenges of potentially strenuous work in an environment which is
inherently restorative.
In this paper we report on British Academy funded qualitative research exploring the motivations of older woodland
volunteers and intergenerational skill sharing between older (> 50 years) and younger (18 – 50) volunteers. Our
findings highlight the benefits and importance of intergenerational skill sharing, which draws upon volunteers'
experience gained from a variety of backgrounds and encouraging an environment that promotes informal learning.
Notably, older conservation volunteers are found to engage with physically challenging voluntary work on their own
terms. The work has to be personally satisfying, offer something back to their local communities, not require them to
provide a service upon which others are reliant, be optional and fit in with their lifestyle and interests.
As life expectancy increases and the 'baby boomer' generation enters post-retirement increasingly later in life, our
research suggests these changes may have unforeseen consequences on recruiting an older conservation volunteer
workforce; impacting both the motivation and physical capacity of much older people to manage challenging
conservation tasks. This may potentially diminish opportunities for older people to benefit from outdoor activities and
intergenerational skill sharing that contribute to social and personal wellbeing.
The Social Networks of Involuntarily Childless Older Men
Hadley, R.
(Keele University)
Research in the field of older men who are involuntarily childless is important, not only because of actual and
projected demographic change (Office for National Statistics, 2009), but also because of the scarcity of material
relating to the effects of involuntary childlessness on men as they age (Dykstra and Keizer, 2009).
Involuntary childlessness can result in multiple losses (Adler, 1991) whilst distress levels in both men and women in
this population have been found to be as high those with grave medical conditions (Domar et al. 1992; Domar et al.
1993; Fisher et al. 2010).
Against the background of an increasing ageing population, and a decline of family support in later life, this study
aimed to address the gap in evidence by interviewing 14 men, aged between 49 and 82, about their experience of
involuntary childlessness, its effects on their day-to-day lives, and their plans for the future. This paper focuses on the
close, inner, and wider circle of relationships and describes the factors that impact on the participant's personal
networks across the life course.
Medicine, Health and Illness 1
C236, CHARLES OAKLEY BUILDING
Living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Relational autonomy, Independence and Agency
Skyrme, S.
(Newcastle University)
For my Economic and Social Research Council funded PhD I interviewed 9 boys and young men with Duchenne
muscular dystrophy, a severe, degenerative condition affecting males, and one young woman with a less severe,
degenerative muscular dystrophy. My research sought to understand, from a sociological perspective, how the
participants thought they might make a decision to take part in medical research and how their sociocultural and
healthcare experiences influence decisions. Imaginary scenarios were devised to contextualise medical research
decision-making, this facilitated discussions, revealing the key role parents have in the participants' lives. Parents act
as primary carers and advisors, and this extends to how their advice is a trusted resource when decisions are being
made.
It was also apparent, however, that the participants valued their independence, regarding themselves as significant
actors when decision-making. Coping well with a degenerative condition can benefit from supportive relationships that
BSA Annual Conference 2015 94
Glasgow Caledonian University