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.
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