Abstract

we must reconsider our attitudes towards the older section of our population. It is to industry then that this book is directed, though it should command a far wider audience. Here are some of our cherished ideas experimentally proved and some are disproved. Up to early adulthood, and with due rega~d to intellectual endowment, we learn new methods and techniques easily. After that we compensate for some loss of aptitude for learning by increased skill which comes from experience, and, where the time factor is not of major importance, the older age groups score in tasks requiring care and accuracy. As we age we need to work at our own pace and this must lead us to question our practice of transferring elderly but healthy people from heavy manual work which is usually ta~en at a low tempo to t1light work" which in addition to learning often involves a more rapid co-ordination of eye and ear and hand. "Old dogs cannot learn new tricks" needs qualification. They can learn new tricks if they want to learn those tricks, if they feei these new tricks are worth while, if they make a contribution to the community. And is this not