Why a second PhD at 85 is a good idea

WHEN he reached 65, Emeritus Professor Dennis Lowther could reflect on a distinguished career in biochemistry. His work on the structure and repair of cartilage in the knee joint was internationally recognised.

By InvestSMART · 22 May 2012

By InvestSMART ·
22 May 2012

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He had joined Monash University's medical school in its infancy in 1962, rising to become the head of the department of biochemistry and the deputy dean of medicine, and had published more than 140 research papers.

But as he approached retirement, he wasn't looking to put his feet up.

A lifelong passion for learning had him return to study at the university and radically change direction completing a bachelor of arts in psychology and sociology in 1996 and a BA (honours) in sociology in 1999.

He also became a trained marriage, relationship and grief counsellor, opened a practice in lifestyle counselling and turned his sharp mind to helping older people.

Now, at 85, he is working on his second PhD thesis 57 years after completing the first one at London University. So does a lifelong passion for learning contribute to wellbeing? "I'm sure it does it at least provides a lifetime of motivation and satisfaction which has lasted into my old age," Professor Lowther says.

"I think it is very important to be able to identify something which you have to strive to achieve when you are older. There is good sociological evidence that when older people give up maintaining social contacts the result is often apathy and loss of the will to live."

It is the thrill of discovery that he enjoys most. "The thing that keeps me going is the novelty of what you find and the pleasure it gives you to make a pattern of the problems you are looking at," he says.

"I definitely believe that my lifelong interest in research has provided the excitement of discovery with the satisfaction of getting there. It's not just the knowledge it's also the interaction with other people in many different countries who share the same passion and curiosity."

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Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…

Who is Emeritus Professor Dennis Lowther and what was his academic career?

Dennis Lowther is an Emeritus Professor and biochemist who joined Monash University's medical school in 1962. He rose to head the department of biochemistry and served as deputy dean of medicine, published more than 140 research papers, and was internationally recognised for work on the structure and repair of knee cartilage.

What further studies did Professor Lowther complete after age 65?

After turning 65, he returned to university and completed a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and sociology in 1996 and a BA (honours) in sociology in 1999. He also trained as a marriage, relationship and grief counsellor and opened a lifestyle counselling practice focused on older people.

How old was Professor Lowther when he started his second PhD and how long was the gap since his first?

At 85 he is working on his second PhD thesis, which comes 57 years after he completed his first PhD at London University.

Why does Professor Lowther say a second PhD at 85 can be a good idea for wellbeing?

He says lifelong learning provides lasting motivation and satisfaction, the thrill of discovery, and the pleasure of solving problems. He believes having something to strive for and maintaining intellectual challenges supports wellbeing into older age.

What role do social contacts and interaction play in older people's wellbeing, according to the article?

The article notes there is good sociological evidence that giving up social contacts often leads to apathy and loss of the will to live. Professor Lowther emphasises interaction with people—locally and internationally who share curiosity—as an important part of the fulfilment learning brings.

Can people change career direction after retirement, based on Professor Lowther's example?

Yes. After his scientific career he retrained in psychology and sociology, became a counsellor, and opened a lifestyle counselling practice helping older people—showing it is possible to change direction and pursue new work after retirement.

What personal benefits did Professor Lowther get from continuing research and study in later life?

He describes the excitement of discovery, the novelty of findings, satisfaction from making sense of problems, and ongoing interaction with colleagues in many countries as key personal benefits of continued research and study.

What practical advice does Professor Lowther offer for staying motivated in later life?

His practical advice is to identify something meaningful to strive for—an academic project, new study or active social engagement—and to keep maintaining social contacts, which together help sustain motivation, satisfaction and wellbeing as you age.