Chapter 13
CONTINUOUS LEARNING
Do you want to be BORING? Then talk about your past life and achievements, tell and re-tell the same stories of when you were young, and don’t learn anything new for yourself.
An octagenarian friend of mine keeps telling stories of his cherished past, and everytime you start to tell him something, it reminds him of some past event when he was younger and you get that story (again). Should I tell him, or is it too late?
If you want to be vital and interesting, mix with vital and interesting people, and keep on learning, gaining new experiences, improving yourself, keeping up a sense of wonder and curiosity.
I am an enthusiastic computer user and have been for over 20 years, which in the personal computer field is a long time! I tried for many years to get my best friend, also a senior, to get a computer. And he always said “What would I DO with it?” Finally his wife went out and bought him one for Christmas. He was caught then; he had to learn it. And he did, and loved it. Now he is on it all the time. I asked him, after he had had it for a year, what would he do if he didn’t have the computer. He replied immediately, “I would be dead!” He works on family history, he has learned programming and creates his own programs; he wrote a small book on his faith to pass on to his kids. His life, for him has focus. And incidentally, he is strong and vigorous at 80! Way to go!
I was interviewed by a freelance journalist recently, as a senior, on my use of the computer, and the article appeared in the local newspaper. It said that I taught the computer to executives, and also to seniors. What surprised me was how many seniors read the article and phoned to see if I could be of help to them in learning more about the computer. They didn’t want to be left behind in this new technology. Those that came to the introductory courses I offered were pretty keen to learn, and did quite well.
FreeNet is an electronic communications service that operates in about 15 cities of North America. It can be accessed by anyone with a computer equipped with a modem. There is a special section in the Ottawa FreeNet for seniors, for exchange of information, news of relevant events, and just chatting. And it is encouraging to see how many seniors are really learning to communicate this way, and enjoying it. I discovered a pen pal section on FreeNet and saw enquiries from different countries of the world. Three teachers in School No. 5, Rostov-on-the-Don in Russia wrote looking for pen pals. A teacher in California asked her pupils to contact another student by electronic mail in another country, then write an essay on a day in the life of the other student; and add background information on the country. FreeNet was early in the game, now there are many "service providers" to access the ever more popular Internet. Yes, the Internet, which is like a global library, worldwide in scope is growing so fast that whatever I say to-day will be out of date tomorrow. There are infinite possibilities for the use of the computer. As I would say to my students when I taught the computer: “New tools create new uses.” So, get connected and once you discover its potential, then you have no worries as to what to do with it.
When Carnegie funded public libraries all over North America, it was a great boon to the people. Now the Internet in a similar way is a quantum leap ahead. We now have the tools for infinite learning.
Elder Hostel is a program enjoyed by some quarter of a million people each year in many countries of the world. It was started in Sweden and spread to other countries. It is essentially a series of educational courses for people over 60, held in some university, college or conference centre. The typical course is 6 days long, living dormitory style on campus. The modest registration cost includes accommodation and meals, but participants pay their own transportation to and from the course location. Course content covers subjects of geography, environment, crafts and skills; non-degree, with no homework or examinations or diplomas. Many people like to travel to some distant spot to see that particular area and take an Elder Hostel course at the same time.
Many universities welcome seniors to their degree courses. The University of Phoenix conducts a degree course by computer on line and many universities in the world are now providing "distance learning degrees".
Being busy for the sake of being busy is just passing time. How many times have you heard recent retirees saying “Oh, I’ve never been so busy!” As if being busy is a virtue. Let’s go one step further and be busy with a purpose, project or special focus.
One of the most common pieces of advice that I received in my survey of seniors was to keep up an interest in new initiatives. Here is what they said:
"Keep seeking new perspectives."
"Keep mentally active, by whatever means." "Most important; keep your mind active, no matter how."
Progress is measured by some in terms of accumulated wealth; by others in new learning; or in new experiences; or in improved health and strength.