Charlottetown, PEI
Saturday - October, 20 2007
Outgoing president of Seniors College, Dr. Kinsey Smith, reported to the annual meeting on Saturday at UPEI that there had been a solid year of growth for the organization which now has about 500 members and programs offered in Alberton, Summerside and Charlottetown.
The new executive includes Ian Scott, president; Joe Revell, vice president; Julie Dowling, Secretary; and Beth Cudmore, treasurer. New members joining the board included Douglas Boylan and Paul Kelly.
During the year a regional conference was held at UPEI with forty representatives from seven provinces attending, all interested in the "learning in retirement" model. TV star Art Linkletter recently congratulated the organization, "The Seniors College of Prince Edward Island has proven to be a rare gem and successful model for communities throughout North America."
The organization's website is upei.ca/seniorscollege and contact numbers are 894-2867 Charlottetown and 436-9575 in Summerside.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Friday, August 31, 2007
Exchange of knowledge highlights conference on seniors' learning
KATIE SMITH
The Guardian - August 30, 2007
Ian Scott, left, of Seniors College P.E.I., Meddie Aikens of McGill Institute for Learning in Retirement, and Bruce Garrity, co-ordinator, chat at the Regional Conference 2007, Peer-Learning Opportunities for 21st Century Seniors. The conference was hosted by the seniors’ college promoting networking, sharing experiences and information and the expansion of seniors’ colleges. Guardian photo
Bruce Garrity of Centre for Life-Long Learning says gathering at UPEI drew about 40 people from seven provinces who shared their experiences with seniors' colleges across the country.
This week’s regional conference on seniors’ learning was better than could have been expected, says a representative from the Centre for Life-Long Learning.
Bruce Garrity said there are many seniors’ learning groups across the country and the different types of models were discussed at the conference held at UPEI from Aug. 26-28.
He said although a number of centres exist in Canada, he was surprised there wasn’t any discussion among them. That is, until this conference.
“It was about sharing our knowledge,” Garrity said. “I’m very happy with our exchange of information.”
Approximately 40 people attended the meetings representing seven Canadian provinces: Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and P.E.I.
Garrity said when the seniors’ college began on the Island nearly 10 years ago only a handful of courses was offered, and only about 25 people enrolled.
It’s now grown to nearly 100 courses, with more than 450 seniors taking part, he said, adding most of the courses are taught by retired teachers and professors.
“P.E.I. is a leader in community schools, life-long learning and seniors’ colleges,” said Garrity, a former member of Charlottetown City Council.
Although the Island seniors’ learning programs are growing, Garrity said he’d like to see even more seniors involved — particularly men.
“All of the associations in the country deal mostly with females. I know here, there’s close to 80 per cent females,” he said, adding the reason there are fewer men than women is men tend to be more involved with other activities.
Aside from different hobbies that might otherwise occupy a person’s time, one reason Garrity said seniors’ enrolment numbers are low because many people don’t want to take school courses.
“A lot of people who are 50-plus, when they hear of a seniors’ college, they think it’s too collegiate, too brainy. But it’s not. There are no tests, no term papers.”
It’s just a place to gather and hear people talk about different topics, he said. Garrity added that the seniors’ colleges are places to go for socializing and for intellectual stimulation, which is important for people of all ages.
While it’s necessary to exercise regularly and eat well, it’s also important for one’s health to exercise the mind, he said.
As the conference drew to a close, several participants stayed to discuss what happens next.
Some of the suggestions included making this conference an annual event to better keep in touch with other programs and learn from them.
It was also suggested to start up a website where each program can go for information.
One man said it would be a good idea to spread the word about seniors’ learning programs to municipal organizations.
Registration for fall courses will be held in Charlottetown, Summerside and Alberton in September. Specific times, dates and locations will appear in a Guardian ad on Sept. 4, Garrity said.
The cost is $125 per senior 50 years of age and older, per year.
Students can take as many courses as they like for this price.
The Guardian - August 30, 2007
Ian Scott, left, of Seniors College P.E.I., Meddie Aikens of McGill Institute for Learning in Retirement, and Bruce Garrity, co-ordinator, chat at the Regional Conference 2007, Peer-Learning Opportunities for 21st Century Seniors. The conference was hosted by the seniors’ college promoting networking, sharing experiences and information and the expansion of seniors’ colleges. Guardian photoBruce Garrity of Centre for Life-Long Learning says gathering at UPEI drew about 40 people from seven provinces who shared their experiences with seniors' colleges across the country.
This week’s regional conference on seniors’ learning was better than could have been expected, says a representative from the Centre for Life-Long Learning.
Bruce Garrity said there are many seniors’ learning groups across the country and the different types of models were discussed at the conference held at UPEI from Aug. 26-28.
He said although a number of centres exist in Canada, he was surprised there wasn’t any discussion among them. That is, until this conference.
“It was about sharing our knowledge,” Garrity said. “I’m very happy with our exchange of information.”
Approximately 40 people attended the meetings representing seven Canadian provinces: Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and P.E.I.
Garrity said when the seniors’ college began on the Island nearly 10 years ago only a handful of courses was offered, and only about 25 people enrolled.
It’s now grown to nearly 100 courses, with more than 450 seniors taking part, he said, adding most of the courses are taught by retired teachers and professors.
“P.E.I. is a leader in community schools, life-long learning and seniors’ colleges,” said Garrity, a former member of Charlottetown City Council.
Although the Island seniors’ learning programs are growing, Garrity said he’d like to see even more seniors involved — particularly men.
“All of the associations in the country deal mostly with females. I know here, there’s close to 80 per cent females,” he said, adding the reason there are fewer men than women is men tend to be more involved with other activities.
Aside from different hobbies that might otherwise occupy a person’s time, one reason Garrity said seniors’ enrolment numbers are low because many people don’t want to take school courses.
“A lot of people who are 50-plus, when they hear of a seniors’ college, they think it’s too collegiate, too brainy. But it’s not. There are no tests, no term papers.”
It’s just a place to gather and hear people talk about different topics, he said. Garrity added that the seniors’ colleges are places to go for socializing and for intellectual stimulation, which is important for people of all ages.
While it’s necessary to exercise regularly and eat well, it’s also important for one’s health to exercise the mind, he said.
As the conference drew to a close, several participants stayed to discuss what happens next.
Some of the suggestions included making this conference an annual event to better keep in touch with other programs and learn from them.
It was also suggested to start up a website where each program can go for information.
One man said it would be a good idea to spread the word about seniors’ learning programs to municipal organizations.
Registration for fall courses will be held in Charlottetown, Summerside and Alberton in September. Specific times, dates and locations will appear in a Guardian ad on Sept. 4, Garrity said.
The cost is $125 per senior 50 years of age and older, per year.
Students can take as many courses as they like for this price.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Seniors College hosts Atlantic conference
TERESA WRIGHT CONSTABLE
The Guardian - August 27, 2007
The Seniors College of P.E.I. is hosting an Atlantic conference this week in the hopes of inspiring similar models of senior learning in other provinces.
Representatives from seven provinces are on the Island taking part in the conference activities and exploring the success of the Island Seniors College.
Bruce Garrity, Seniors College co-ordinator, said the conference was organized to get the word out about how well the idea has taken off on P.E.I.
“We thought we should tell people about us, because we think we have a good thing going here. Seniors College is a success story on P.E.I. and we think that many people should duplicate us, should they want to.”
In eight years, the Seniors College of P.E.I. has gone from 25 participants to 450 students, Garrity said.
“That may not be as big as a university, but it’s pretty good growth and we’re very proud that our students love Seniors College, keep coming back and our teachers love teaching.”
The courses are offered for a nominal fee of $125 per semester of eight to 10 weeks of class time.
The teachers are mostly retired professors and high school teachers, and get paid a small fee for their services.
The main reason they do it is because they love it, Garrity said.
“You can’t beat this. Students who want to learn and teachers who want to teach. This is a marriage made in heaven.”
Representatives from the universities of Regina, Toronto, St. Mary’s and Memorial University are taking part.
But despite their university affiliations, they will explore the practical steps in getting a seniors college started in a small community without a university or college. Garrity said this is because he believes seniors’ learning shouldn’t be too tied to post-secondary education.
“The key to seniors college is that it isn’t university- based. What we want is someone in the community who’s civic-minded and will work with the university but not for it. It has to be driven by somebody that it’s not their job to do it — but that they want to do it.”
This is exactly what Garrity has done, being the driving force behind the P.E.I. Seniors College.
Garrity, a former city councillor, works hard to secure teachers, classrooms and learning materials for the classes. But he said the work has been well worth it.
The conference takes place until Wednesday on the UPEI campus.
Some of the topics on the agenda include the history and development of the seniors’ college model, seniors learning models in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland, and the work of the McGill Institute for Learning in Retirement.
There will be a panel discussion by representatives of the Community School, the Centre for Life-Long Learning, Holland College, and the P.E.I. Senior’s Federation.
The final conference session will be an open panel discussion on strategies for the future.
The Guardian - August 27, 2007
The Seniors College of P.E.I. is hosting an Atlantic conference this week in the hopes of inspiring similar models of senior learning in other provinces.
Representatives from seven provinces are on the Island taking part in the conference activities and exploring the success of the Island Seniors College.
Bruce Garrity, Seniors College co-ordinator, said the conference was organized to get the word out about how well the idea has taken off on P.E.I.
“We thought we should tell people about us, because we think we have a good thing going here. Seniors College is a success story on P.E.I. and we think that many people should duplicate us, should they want to.”
In eight years, the Seniors College of P.E.I. has gone from 25 participants to 450 students, Garrity said.
“That may not be as big as a university, but it’s pretty good growth and we’re very proud that our students love Seniors College, keep coming back and our teachers love teaching.”
The courses are offered for a nominal fee of $125 per semester of eight to 10 weeks of class time.
The teachers are mostly retired professors and high school teachers, and get paid a small fee for their services.
The main reason they do it is because they love it, Garrity said.
“You can’t beat this. Students who want to learn and teachers who want to teach. This is a marriage made in heaven.”
Representatives from the universities of Regina, Toronto, St. Mary’s and Memorial University are taking part.
But despite their university affiliations, they will explore the practical steps in getting a seniors college started in a small community without a university or college. Garrity said this is because he believes seniors’ learning shouldn’t be too tied to post-secondary education.
“The key to seniors college is that it isn’t university- based. What we want is someone in the community who’s civic-minded and will work with the university but not for it. It has to be driven by somebody that it’s not their job to do it — but that they want to do it.”
This is exactly what Garrity has done, being the driving force behind the P.E.I. Seniors College.
Garrity, a former city councillor, works hard to secure teachers, classrooms and learning materials for the classes. But he said the work has been well worth it.
The conference takes place until Wednesday on the UPEI campus.
Some of the topics on the agenda include the history and development of the seniors’ college model, seniors learning models in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland, and the work of the McGill Institute for Learning in Retirement.
There will be a panel discussion by representatives of the Community School, the Centre for Life-Long Learning, Holland College, and the P.E.I. Senior’s Federation.
The final conference session will be an open panel discussion on strategies for the future.
Monday, July 30, 2007
On-Line Registration
On-line registration is now available for the regional conference on learning for those age 50+.
Hosted at UPEI August 26-28, 2007 and it will be held on campus in Charlottetown.
Hosted at UPEI August 26-28, 2007 and it will be held on campus in Charlottetown.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
UPEI Hosts Regional Conference - Best Practices for Seniors Learning
Peer learning for those 50+ is a growing area of activity and interest in Canada and internationally. With the success that PEI has seen with Seniors College of Prince Edward Island, the choice of PEI as the location of a regional conference on seniors learning is very appropriate. The dates are August 26-28, 2007 and it will be held on campus at UPEI in Charlottetown.
It is hoped that through the conference a stronger regional network within the Atlantic region will assist with development of new opportunities for seniors.
A website has now been established for the conference. All suggestions are welcome.
Please spread the word to anyone that may share an interest in establishing a seniors college in their area - or sharing with other how their current program is going.
It is hoped that through the conference a stronger regional network within the Atlantic region will assist with development of new opportunities for seniors.
A website has now been established for the conference. All suggestions are welcome.
Please spread the word to anyone that may share an interest in establishing a seniors college in their area - or sharing with other how their current program is going.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Art Linkletter describes Seniors College as “Rare gem – model for communities throughout North America.”
Newsrelease from UPEI February 9, 2007-
Membership of the Seniors College of Prince Edward Island has reached a record 440, a five-fold expansion over the past four years. In addition to the 339 members from Charlottetown, more than 100 members are now taking part in courses in Summerside.
The Seniors College of PEI is an independent, board-run organization affiliated to the University of Prince Edward Island. It provides inexpensive opportunities for people who are over 50 to keep on learning new skills and new ideas in a comfortable environment and in the company of interesting and interested fellow learners.
Art Linkletter, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UCLA Center on Aging, commended the college recently when he wrote:
"As the human lifespan continues to grow and many more of us are living well into our 80s and 90s, it is increasingly important to provide resources that will help make seniors’ lives healthy, happy and productive. In providing such opportunities, the Seniors College of Prince Edward Island has proven to be a rare gem and successful model for communities throughout North America."
Linketter is well known as host of two of the longest-running television shows in the US. In addition to his work with the UCLA Center of Aging, he has been a spokesman for the United Seniors Association. He received an honorary degree from UPEI in 2003.
Friday, January 5, 2007
It's Never Too Late to Learn
Seniors College of PEI continues to sees tremendous growth with numbers climbing to over 400 members in the fall 2006 enrolment.
Programs in both Charlottetown and Summerside, welcomed returning members, and new members for a great fall start. Programs are offered in eight week segments, with courses starting in September, January and the spring.
Her Honour, Barbara A. Hagerman, the Lieutenant Governor, is the Patron of Seniors College, which is affiliated with UPEI. Kinsey Smith, MD is the President and Bruce Garrity the overall coordinator. He is assisted by Summerside coordinator Don Anderson. With growing interest throughout Kings Co., efforts are underway to develop programming in Montague in the future.
The College is continuously striving to keep programs offerings exciting so are on the look out for new courses and facilitators to present new offerings. The coordinators welcome any suggestions. With no exams, tests or homework to worry about, learning is purely for fun. Most members find this approach very satisfying, and that learning new skills is easier with others.
Besides offering courses to members in the age 50+ range, Seniors College also has social events from time to time. The fall social which is held on campus, includes readings from students in the Life Writing class, and coral music from the Voices 50+ class.
Locally the name Seniors College is used, and the program is affiliated with UPEI, but in other places programs have grown in unique ways. The Canadian Network for Third Age Learning, acts as a point of contact among the various programs and operates an email newsletter and listserv called CATALIST.
Canadian programs tend to have unique names like: Of Course You Can, Learning in Retirement,
L.I.F.E Institute (Learning is For Ever), ElderCollege Chilliwack, Université du 3ième âge – Sudbury, Later Life Learning Kingston, Creative Retirement Manitoba.
On the international level, many programs use the terminology related to Third Age - which derives from the roots of the program in Toulouse France, in 1972 and the name Université du 3ième âge. The name relates to the idea of distinct stages of life with retirement following both childhood and the adult years when work is often the major focus. The founding of AIUTA (International Association of Universities of the Third Age) in France, maintains a connection among similar programs internationally. U3A is the terminology that is often used in the UK and Australia.
Programs all use peer-learning in which facilitators bring their passion and knowledge of their subject, and students bring their life experience and interest in learning new things. The College has been extremely lucky that PEI is an attractive retirement location, and thus retired professors from several Canadian universities, are currently offering classes at Seniors College of PEI. Other instructors who are working, take time off, in order to teach.
While peer-learning for seniors began before the Internet existed, at a time that baby boomers were beginning careers, the future may be quite different than the past. Rapid growth in the numbers of individuals aged 50+ , could expand the concept far beyond the current success it enjoys. This will require solid planning, and innovation to ensure quality programming continues.
Learning from similar organization elsewhere and their best practices may help existing and new organizations get started and flourish. Currently other universities in Canada have learned of the success on PEI and are interested in learning how to establish a similar program. Past president of Seniors College, Ivan Dowling is much sought after, as a speaker, by retired faculty in other universities keen to learn about the PEI model. A video also provides an overview of the program on PEI.
Addressing the intellectual needs of seniors in residential care, by expanding learning opportunities for individuals who no longer living independently, could be an important, and growing area to examine in the future. Individuals who are care givers at home likewise have special needs, but limited time away from their responsibilities.
In Australia where geography can be daunting, U3A Online was created as the world-first virtual University of the Third Age delivering online learning via the Internet. They state that “All that's needed to study online is access to a computer with an Internet connection - and some basic computing skills. Our courses are open to all older people anywhere in the world. They are especially suited to older members of the community who are isolated either geographically, or through physical or social circumstances (including careers).”
In China the Association of Universities for the Aged, (CAUA) has an important role in developing programs. With 19,300 programs and 1.81 million members now involved, Chinese retirees are very active in enjoying education opportunities.
Publish
The Seniors College web site, www.upei.ca/seniorscollege is a good resource.
For anyone interested in learning more or signing up it is a simple as calling either Bruce Garrity at 894-2867 or Don Anderson at 436-9575 or emailing Seniors College of PEI
And yes - it's never too late to learn.
Programs in both Charlottetown and Summerside, welcomed returning members, and new members for a great fall start. Programs are offered in eight week segments, with courses starting in September, January and the spring.
Her Honour, Barbara A. Hagerman, the Lieutenant Governor, is the Patron of Seniors College, which is affiliated with UPEI. Kinsey Smith, MD is the President and Bruce Garrity the overall coordinator. He is assisted by Summerside coordinator Don Anderson. With growing interest throughout Kings Co., efforts are underway to develop programming in Montague in the future.
The College is continuously striving to keep programs offerings exciting so are on the look out for new courses and facilitators to present new offerings. The coordinators welcome any suggestions. With no exams, tests or homework to worry about, learning is purely for fun. Most members find this approach very satisfying, and that learning new skills is easier with others.
Besides offering courses to members in the age 50+ range, Seniors College also has social events from time to time. The fall social which is held on campus, includes readings from students in the Life Writing class, and coral music from the Voices 50+ class.
Locally the name Seniors College is used, and the program is affiliated with UPEI, but in other places programs have grown in unique ways. The Canadian Network for Third Age Learning, acts as a point of contact among the various programs and operates an email newsletter and listserv called CATALIST.
Canadian programs tend to have unique names like: Of Course You Can, Learning in Retirement,
L.I.F.E Institute (Learning is For Ever), ElderCollege Chilliwack, Université du 3ième âge – Sudbury, Later Life Learning Kingston, Creative Retirement Manitoba.
On the international level, many programs use the terminology related to Third Age - which derives from the roots of the program in Toulouse France, in 1972 and the name Université du 3ième âge. The name relates to the idea of distinct stages of life with retirement following both childhood and the adult years when work is often the major focus. The founding of AIUTA (International Association of Universities of the Third Age) in France, maintains a connection among similar programs internationally. U3A is the terminology that is often used in the UK and Australia.
Programs all use peer-learning in which facilitators bring their passion and knowledge of their subject, and students bring their life experience and interest in learning new things. The College has been extremely lucky that PEI is an attractive retirement location, and thus retired professors from several Canadian universities, are currently offering classes at Seniors College of PEI. Other instructors who are working, take time off, in order to teach.
While peer-learning for seniors began before the Internet existed, at a time that baby boomers were beginning careers, the future may be quite different than the past. Rapid growth in the numbers of individuals aged 50+ , could expand the concept far beyond the current success it enjoys. This will require solid planning, and innovation to ensure quality programming continues.
Learning from similar organization elsewhere and their best practices may help existing and new organizations get started and flourish. Currently other universities in Canada have learned of the success on PEI and are interested in learning how to establish a similar program. Past president of Seniors College, Ivan Dowling is much sought after, as a speaker, by retired faculty in other universities keen to learn about the PEI model. A video also provides an overview of the program on PEI.
Addressing the intellectual needs of seniors in residential care, by expanding learning opportunities for individuals who no longer living independently, could be an important, and growing area to examine in the future. Individuals who are care givers at home likewise have special needs, but limited time away from their responsibilities.
In Australia where geography can be daunting, U3A Online was created as the world-first virtual University of the Third Age delivering online learning via the Internet. They state that “All that's needed to study online is access to a computer with an Internet connection - and some basic computing skills. Our courses are open to all older people anywhere in the world. They are especially suited to older members of the community who are isolated either geographically, or through physical or social circumstances (including careers).”
In China the Association of Universities for the Aged, (CAUA) has an important role in developing programs. With 19,300 programs and 1.81 million members now involved, Chinese retirees are very active in enjoying education opportunities.
Publish
The Seniors College web site, www.upei.ca/seniorscollege is a good resource.
For anyone interested in learning more or signing up it is a simple as calling either Bruce Garrity at 894-2867 or Don Anderson at 436-9575 or emailing Seniors College of PEI
And yes - it's never too late to learn.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)