Seniors College of P.E.I. gaining national attention

as published in The Guardian - April 26, 2008

Seniors College of P.E.I. has been asked to speak to the Special Senate Committee on Aging in Ottawa as part of a major investigation into the needs of older Canadians.

Ian Scott, the president of Seniors College of P.E.I. will be speaking to the committee in Ottawa on aspects of Active Aging and Ageism which is part of the committee’s second interim report on April 28.

Seniors College of P.E.I. now operates in Montague, Alberton, Summerside and Charlottetown with 527 members participating. Affiliated with UPEI and designed for those age 50 or older, the concept of active learning, and active living in retirement, is a worldwide phenomenon which continues to change the public view of seniors.

Based on peer-learning in which members share their knowledge with others, the P.E.I. operation is co-ordinated by Bruce Garrity, who is assisted with each of the operations outside Charlottetown.

Recently both Garrity and Scott spoke to a packed audience at Mount Allison, where a steering committee was formed to launch a similar operation.

Earlier this year, a seniors college was launched in Halifax due to efforts of a past president Ivan Dowling, who encouraged colleagues who were retired faculty of the various universities there to work together, and spoke of the success of P.E.I. efforts.

A seniors college also launched in Cape Breton with the encouragement of Clive Keen, while he was director of Life Long Learning at UPEI.

A regional conference on learning in retirement hosted at UPEI by Senior College of P.E.I. in 2007 brought together representatives from seven provinces, and has helped spread the word even further.

“Learning in retirement is important to both individuals and their personal enjoyment but also the fact that governments are now recognizing the value that active learning plays in maintaining a healthy population, is significant,’’ said Scott. “Research continues to show the beneficial effects that new learning has on the brain, and the positive benefits of being active in a social environment to reduce isolation. It also happens to be great fun.’’

More information on the Special Senate Committee on Aging is located on their website www.senate-senat.ca/age.asp and information of Seniors College of P.E.I. is available at www.upei.ca/seniorscollege or through contacting Garrity at 894-2867 or seniorscollege@upei.ca

Plans under way for Sackville seniors' college

Ian Scott, president of the P.E.I. seniors’ college, speaks to local residents who were on hand for an information meeting last week at Convocation Hall. A steering group was formed to develop the idea for Sackville.
as published by the Sackville Tribune-Post - March 12, 2008

BY KATIE TOWER, Staff Reporter

Seniors in the community could soon have access to more fun and engaging learning opportunities.

A local steering committee was formed last week to get plans under way on the founding of a seniors college in the Sackville area, an initiative which would offer stimulating and affordable courses to the 55-and-over crowd.

Heather Patterson, director of the continuous learning centre at Mount Allison University, organized the founding meeting at Convocation Hall last Thursday, which drew over 75 residents, and said she’s excited about the potential of a seniors college where local seniors can learn from their peers.

“We have so many wonderful seniors in the community with so much experience in many different areas. . . some very engaging, exciting, active and happening people.”

The local project would be modeled on the successful P.E.I. seniors college, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2007. Ian Scott, president of the seniors college on the Island, said the organization has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade.

“We started out small. . . we had 45 students in the first year and we offered three courses. Now we have 527 students in four locations on the Island and we have over 100 programs,” said Scott, who was on hand last week to share ideas on how to get the project off the ground.

The premise of the seniors college is based on peer learning, he explained.

“We are strong believers that we all have something to share and we’re never too old to learn.”

One of the keys to its success has been the ability to access retired professors and educators in the area, said Scott, who want to teach about engaging, entertaining topics they are passionate about.

“Our teachers have a love affair with their courses and it shows.”

The membership – at $125 – provides seniors the opportunity to take as many, or as few, courses as they would like during the semester – classes that range from alternative medicine to computer skills, genealogy to painting, life writing to astronomy, and much more.

The college co-ordinator Bruce Garrity said seniors can share skills, knowledge and experience with each other through their eight-week courses.

“This enhances the quality of life for seniors by providing them with professional-level courses and it also gives them the opportunity to experience the joy of learning.”

The P.E.I. seniors’ college is affiliated with UPEI – and uses several facilities at the university - but is operated by a separate board.

The local steering committee – made up of Heather Patterson, Pat Dixon, Barb Jardine, Art Miller, Donna Capper, Janet Hammock and Erik Hulsman – will develop the basic concept of how a seniors’ college would work in the area and will present their findings to the public

NEW COURSES for Spring, 2008

call Bruce Garrity at 894-2867 to register


Introduction to Astronomy
with Ron Perry (Athena Community Astronomy Club Program Director)

Start Mar. 31 7-9pm Mondays and Wednesdays in UPEI CC 101
Mon Mar 31, Wed. Apr 2, Mon Apr 7, Wed Apr 9, Mon Apr14, Wed Apr 16, Mon Apr 21, Wed Apr 23

The universe is an amazing place. Look back in time to the beginning of the universe. Take a visual trip to the planets and their moons. Speed out to the outer edges of our galaxy and see the immense vastness of outer space. Explore the birth and death of stars. Hop on board a comet and hitch a ride to your favorite wishing star. Get to know the night sky and use a telescope to see incredible sights.

Laptop Computers
Patrick Kinnear LIMIT 12
Start Apr. 18 1-4pm Fridays and Mondays in UPEI Kelly Boardroom
Fri April 18, Mon Apr 21, Fri Apr 25, Mon Apr 28, Fri May 2, Mon May 12, Fri May 16, Fri May 23

This course will cover the differences between laptops and desktops, creating and organizing files and folders, email and internet basics, configuring and using wireless connections, security software, jump drives, search engines, web browsers, software and laptop maintenance. Other topics will be added and discussed depending on the interests and/or computer experience of the participants.
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Seniors College is your organization and we request and appreciate any and all your comments and suggestions.

Contact us at 894-2867
seniorscollege@upei.ca or at
Seniors College, UPEI, 550 University Ave, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 4P3

Seniors College had 525 members Island-wide and we thank you for membership and participation. The Board is again planning for more that 100 courses in 2008-09 and our annual Tabloid with all our offerings will be available in early September. As usual our annual registration will be in September with the actual date and time to be decided.

Have a great summer --- see you again next year!

Seniors College - Montague, PEI

Registration is planned for the first Seniors College programming in the Montague area, a landmark move for Islanders with programming now available in all three counties.

Location:

• Thursday Jan 17, 2008 1:30 - 3:00 pm,
• Montague Town Hall

Registration will take place for the following courses set to begin in February or March 2008.

• Life Writing: Kathleen Hamilton
  
• Mondays 2-5pm,
• Start Feb. 4 (6 weeks)

• Island History: David Hume
• Tues. 1-4pm
• Start Feb. 5

• Jazz For Listeners: Jim Nimmo
• Wednesdays 1-4pm
• Start Feb. 6

• Art - Basic Acrylics: Sandi Komst & Mel Giddings
• Wednesdays 1-4pm
• Start Feb. 6

• Beginner’s Bridge : Judy Fraser
• Thursdays 1-4pm
• Start Feb. 7
  

• Basic Computer : Pat Hayes
• Tuesday and Thursday's 1-3pm
• Start March 4 - Ending March 27

For information -- contact
Sheila Mallory at 838-2532
or Bruce Garrity 894-2867

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.

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.