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CHAPTER 14
Realising the potential of older workers in Scotland 281

guidance. This will immediately disadvantage individuals reluctant to engage
in this mode of communication whether it is through choice or through lack of
confidence.
There would also appear to be a greater lack of awareness among older
workers on the value of vocational education and training. This emerged
through one of the exercises in the learning programme, which encouraged
individuals to carry out a skills analysis and benchmark the level of skill and
qualifications they had against the Scottish national qualifications framework.
Most participants were unaware such a framework existed, suggesting greater
work is required in including and educating older workers on the value and
benefits of vocational education and training. Project findings will be of
particular interest to the Scottish credit and qualifications framework, with
future collaboration on how to address this challenge proposed.

14.9. Conclusion

Although the ʻrealising your potentialʼ project is ongoing, conclusions can be
drawn on the key issues emerging from the challenge of an ageing population.
As healthy life expectancy continues to increase (Scottish Public Health
Observatory, 2011), todayʼs 50 to 65 year-olds are healthier and fitter than
past generations and will almost certainly live considerably longer than their
parents, grand-parents and great-grand parents. Given this situation, greater
consideration must be given to supporting and encouraging older adults, many
of whom have a great deal of capacity and desire to work and remain active
in later life. Confidence and self-belief can be issues; however, they may be
overcome by use of reflective learning techniques and recognition of past
achievements, both of which can form a basis for increasing confidence and
motivation levels.
The key for many individuals is unlocking the door of uncertainty and
addressing the challenge of change. A famous scene from the film Lawrence
of Arabia highlights a common human response to unknown variables and
uncertain futures (Van der Heijden et al., 2002). As Lawrence and his
companion are resting in the desert, a dot appears on the horizon growing
larger as it approaches. The horizon seems so far away; they simply stand
and stare, watching and waiting not knowing what to do. After a while, it
becomes clear that the phenomenon is a man approaching on a camel. Still,
the uncertainty continues until finally, Lawrenceʼs companion suspects that
something terrible is going to happen and, panicking, goes for his gun. Before