No Age Limit for Learning
by Virginia Dakiniewich

As the saying goes, “You don’t stop learning when you grow old; you grow old when you stop learning.”

Many brain experts believe that active learning helps maintain brain health by preventing loss of brain function and cognitive skills such as memory, reasoning, and judgment. For a rapidly aging population, Lifelong Learning (LLL) may be the key to maintaining quality of life into the senior years.

“Lifelong Learning is the continuous building of skills and knowledge throughout a person’s lifetime” (Wikipedia). You don’t have to sit in a classroom to be a lifelong learner. Whether you travel, volunteer, read a book, chat with a friend, or browse the web, there are opportunities to learn everywhere you go. For older adults, lifelong learning offers many benefits. LLL is like a workout for the brain, keeping it sharp and improving memory. Other benefits include the opportunity to develop skills and abilities, make new friends, and keep involved as active members of the community. The Saskatoon Council on Aging (SCOA) features a wide variety of Lifelong Learning activities for older adults to cover any interest or hobby.

Art is a wonderful activity that taps into imagination. For many older adults, art helps to reduce stress and anxiety, restores and motivates muscle memory, improves cognition and focuses attention, provides new opportunities for connecting with others, and improves emotional and physical health. This fall we are offering a workshop—Learn How to Create Your Own Photo and Greeting Cards. This class takes place Friday, November 15, from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm. Cost is $15.00. Mending Seniors’ Hearts With Art will be held Thursdays, November 14, 21, 28, and December 5 from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Cost is $20.00. All art classes are held at the Saskatoon Council on Aging, 2020 College Drive.

On My Own: Women Learning New Life Skills Together is a recent addition to our lifelong learning programs and is made possible by Affinity Credit Union and the Association of Saskatchewan Home Economists (Saskatoon). On My Own workshops give women the tools they need to remain independent and in charge of their own lives, building diverse skills in car care, personal finance, legal management, and basic home maintenance. “The program is designed to help people do things on their own,” according to Millie Reynolds, a planner of On My Own. Older adult women who are caring for spouses, have recently lost spouses, or want to live independently will benefit from the preparation provided by the workshops. Our fall workshops in the series include Know Your Car by Ens Toyota on Wednesday, October 30, at 6:00 pm. This workshop provides car maintenance basics such as underhood fluid checks, how to find your spare tire, and maintenance schedule. Cost is $10. Just in Case, a presentation by Harold Empey, includes information on the types of things you should plan for to assist your spouse, child, or executor to plan. This workshop will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at SCOA, 2020 College Drive, and is presented free of charge.

A complement to On My Own is the Men’s Cooking Program. Following the loss of a spouse or partner, men often experience loneliness or isolation and do not have the social contacts shared among women. This program is designed to give single men the opportunity to socialize and learn how to cook basic meals. Men’s Cooking—Soups and Sandwiches will be held Tuesdays, November 5, 12, 19, 26 from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm. The cost is $55.00.

Are you new to technology or would you like to learn how to use your iPad, talk to your grandchildren on Skype, or post photos on Facebook? Our newest lifelong learning programs include Technology Workshops especially for older adults—iPads, iPhones, Facebook, Skype, and Twitter. The workshops are two hours in length and cost is $25. Participants must bring their own devices (iPads, iPhones) to the workshops. Classes run at various times—contact SCOA (306) 652-2255 for more information and/or to register.

In addition to our Lifelong Learning programs we also offer monthly Drop-in programs Wednesdays 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm and monthly Wellness Clinics the first Tuesday of every month 9:00 am to noon. These programs are held at 2020 College Drive.

To register for programs or if you need any further information, phone (306) 652-2255 or email admin@scoa.ca.

The Saskatoon Council on Aging is a non-profit, community-based organization that promotes the dignity, health, and independence of older adults in Saskatoon and area. Visit their website at www.scoa.ca. Virginia Dakiniewich is an Advancement Officer at SCOA.