He said he grew up in the woods....He want to go to college...and take a course....he said it is his money and he is going to go and then get a Job with the National Parks....he said it is a 4 year course...and he already knows more than most of the teachers cause he grew up on the mountains.... Well...This is a man who will look at the dishes in the sink..walk around the table..come back to the sink...walk around the table...and repeat....he hates cutting grass and pulling weeds..I do it all.....He will prob want to either take over the class...or fall asleep....but I guess at any age it is nice to have a dream......I am wondering..what to do about this...HE does not even like to go in the woods for chiggers and ticks...LOL
Brain stimulation is good in any form for dementia and if this is where his interest lies I would say go with it. The 'Help him prepare for the course' suggestion is great. There are all manner of ways to help including Youtube videos of parks and wildlife (visual stimulation).
I think you need to perform that delicate balance act of giving him encouragement while protecting him from reality. He already has an amazing track record. If he is the type that doesn't mind being recorded, how about getting someone (one of your sons or a professional videographer who does family history videos) to interview and record him talking about what he has accomplished. He might get a lift out of seeing and hearing himself review his life and future plans, but at the very least you would have a priceless family record. (Do one for yourself, too!)
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/13/business/retirementspecial/older-students-auditing-courses-find-a-welcome-on-campus.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
So help your husband to emphasize those areas in which he's accomplished so much. It will help both of you cope.
"He has this dream of making money...but no one is hiring".
Doesn't matter. We both know he's unlikely to complete a college degree, but what's important to him is that HE HAS A PURPOSE. Get your sons in on the plan.
Frankly, I think you're really fortunate that he has this goal, even if it's not realistic.
And think about contacting the local American Legion or VFW so he can get together with others who shared a military experience.
Check "http://www.opm.gov/search/?site=default_collection&q=forest ranger" for job ads for forest rangers, or check your state's Dept. of Natural Resources. Create a job description tailored for your husband, with emphasis on mountains. He can work toward meeting those requirements as his personal goal.
Create your own syllabus with sections on activities he'd enjoy (no lawn mowing though). Perhaps include geology as a primary topic with subtopics of identification of major geologic constructs (oceans, volcanoes, mountain ranges, plains, geysers, forests), etc.
Since he grew up in the mountains, you could include topics on how mountains are created, which would also address tectonic plates and collision of continents.
That's a pretty broad spectrum to begin with.
Then find books at the library or information online on these various subjects, or on geology generally. He could even search for subjects himself.
Let him study, help him with the concepts and perhaps create some simple quizzes, ones which he can easily answer and feel as though he's moving forward toward his goal.
Plan field trips (unless traveling would cause him to be disoriented and confused.) Even if you don't live in a mountainous area, you could go to state parks, identify the geologic constructs there (sand dunes, lakes, forests, etc.) and tailor your course to include how these areas were created, how they relate to each other, etc.
Do a Google search for geologic cuts in your area. We went to several in Michigan and in Canada during my geology class. One was a Devonian cut which was also a breathtakingly beautiful site. It was so peaceful and relaxing to just plop down on the beach and dig in the sand for fossils. And what a treasure to find one!
Plan a picnic and make an outing of it.
Even if he realizes the subject matter is difficult to comprehend, he'll at least feel as though he's pursuing something worthwhile. And it may improve his cognitive functioning and help him feel good about himself.
I think you could really help him enhance his self image by being creative. And you can tell him you're (1) helping him save money by studying before he goes back to school and/or (2) preparing now as winter is coming shortly and you want to be able to take in some field trips while you can.
I think it could be a challenging experience for both of you and bring you closer together. And geology is absolutely fascinating. It was one of my favorite subjects and I've always wanted to study it more.
I just got off the website Wiki How regarding what is required to be a forest ranger. As mentioned above enroll in a forestry program at an accredited university or college. He will participate in courses that focus on public policy, management of forest resources, biology and forest ecology. He will also need to gain credits in other sciences and mathematics, such as taxonomy, computer science, statistics and GPS technology.
He will need to complete a field session or an internship. During his coursework, he will likely be required to participate in hands-on experience. This may take place within a camp setup by the college or through a work-study program at an independent entity.
Most State Parks require that participants have a 4-year degree in forestry and a number of years working in the field. He may also be asked to take an exam.
The Society of American Foresters requires passing an exam after the candidate earns a degree from an accredited college and acquires 5 years experience. The Society for Range Management certification requires passing an exam after obtaining a degree in forestry and working at least 6 years.
He better start mowing the lawn, pulling weeds and not be afraid of chiggers and ticks... there are more scary things out in those woods :)
What Is a MOOC?
MOOCs emerged in 2008, and loosely resemble correspondence courses. Classes are offered to a large number of students, over the internet, for free. In a typical MOOC, students watch short video lectures online and complete assignments that are graded either by machines or by their peers. This format allows a single professor to teach a class of several thousand students in a personalized manner.
Where Can I Take a MOOC?
Websites such as Coursera, Canvas Network, EdX or Udacity are the major players in the MOOC arena, and although they are not designed to replace higher education, the courses offered can be used to supplement or reinforce courses and trainings taken in the past, or to learn new topics in an informal setting
I'm not so sure about indulging him in the actual activity. It would be blow to his ego to find out he is not regarded as knowing more than the instructors and a big disappointment to find out college classes are a lot of work.
I suspect the fantasy is more appealing than the reality would be.