The Philosophical Roots of Seniors College of PEI

Seniors College of PEI, although having a unique history growing out of research at UPEI, is also part of a world wide movement known in many places as the The Université du 3ième âge - a concept that has circled the globe and flourished since it first developed in Toulouse, France, in 1972. Today it is often called U3A in the UK and in Australia. Other areas use terminology like Life Long Learning, Learning in Retirement as well as Seniors College.

Most operate as self-help, self-managed lifelong learning co-operatives for older people no longer in full time work, providing opportunities for their members to share learning experiences in a wide range of interest groups and to pursue learning not for qualifications, but for fun.

The constitution of Seniors College of PEI when first drafted on 1999 stated a philosophy that included a vision, mission and objectives.

Vision

A seniors governed, volunteer, membership based organization providing welcoming, comfortable, affordable learning for all seniors (50+), with a wide range of academic level, non-credit peer learning opportunities. The college advocates life long learning, seniors oriented research and the concept that continued learning enhances life quality.

Mission

The mission of seniors. college is to enhance the quality of life of seniors by the provision of peer learning opportunities through academic level courses and programs.

Objectives

* to be responsive to the needs and interests of seniors;
* to provide responsible peer learning opportunities for members;
* to provide structures for seniors to share skills, knowledge, expertise and life experiences;
* to be a knowledge resource to the community;
* to collaborate-partner with other organizations that share common goals;
* to develop linkages with other organizations to further the college;
* to initiate and participate in research on relevant subjects;
* to have fun!

In 2005 that was restated in a revised constitution as:

The mission of the College is to provide educational opportunities in an atmosphere where seniors from all walks of life and from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds may enjoy life-long learning, and where the economic, environmental, social and cultural well-being of individuals, their communities and the planet may be enhanced through continued learning.

New Brunswick - Learning Options for Seniors

Notes from the SC 2007 Conference - Atlantic Canada Seniors’ Learning Models

by Del Evans - Seniors College of PEI, board member

Presenter: Beth Paynter - NB (UNB)

Programs for 50+ are community-based. There are:

• Service groups,
• Resource groups, and
• Senior organizations

who promote healthy living by improving quality of life by staying active through physical and mental exercise.

UNB has a No Limits Program which offers a variety of courses, (some in the evening), workshops, seminars and travel. The NB Museum offers guided tours. Kits of interest are loaned to those who are house-bound. Bounty of the Bay offers courses in marine sciences through Huntsman Marine Institute in St. Andrew's as well as UNB.

NB universities are varied in the tuition costs for 65+ seniors, from pay per course, to no course charge, to others offering rebates and bursary programs.

Stepping Stone Senior Centre in Fredericton, is under the umbrella of New Horizons which offers affordable programs. Talent and experiences are shared through book groups, games, exercise, dance, music, sociology, drama and computer learning.

The Université du 3e âge du Sud-Est Inc. (UTA) is a non-profit organization whose main objective is to help seniors acquire and maintain a good quality of life. While being self-governing, UTA is affiliated with Université de Moncton where its office is located. Its Board of Directors is made up of elected seniors, councillors from the Université de Moncton and representatives from seniors’ organizations.

Université du 3e âge was established in 1978, has 5 chapters and is both a Provincial and National Association. They promote informed discussions, research, advocacy, education and senior helping senior. Although senior enrolment is rising, they realize ‘Boomer’ needs are different, so have developed a 5 year action plan (strategy). ’Move or Rust’ is a training for exercising program. It was developed to encourage exercising by promoting aqua training and a physical education program. Two sessions are offered at $100/year which includes membership.