The saying that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks is
a fallacy, and an insulting one at that – both for canines
of a certain age (who are perfectly capable of learning
– especially when there are treats involved) and for
humans, at whom this cliché is often flung.
Look at any of the many over-60s who have achieved
numerous things in retirement (new skills, new
businesses, new passions) and it’s plain to see that age
need not be a barrier to anything.
Of course, there are ways we can boost our cognitive
health as we age, and one of those is learning. Example?
A recent study by Western Sydney University’s MARCS
Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development has
found learning a musical instrument in retirement is
key to remaining mentally and physically agile. “Some
of the things that people believe about playing a music
instrument is that if they’ve never done it in childhood; it’s
passed them by,” says music and psychology researcher
with the institute, Dr Jennifer MacRitchie. “What we
know is that the ageing brain is plastic and we can still
learn new skills as we get older.”
University of The Third Age (U3A) President Colin
Whitney, can certainly lay testament to the benefit of
ongoing learning. The organisation which started in
France in the 1970s, landed in Australia in the ‘80s – and
today, its classes for retirees, run largely by volunteers,
are bursting at the seams.
“In Victoria alone, there are 106 different U3A’s set up,
and we have around 35,000 members. The aim is to assist
members to improve or maintain their mental, physical
and psychological health. It’s an all-encompassing
concept –we’ve got exercise classes, discussion groups,
games – all designed to get people interacting, moving
and using their brains as well.”
Colin tutors two classes including Australian History and
a walking group, as well as participating as a student in
a current affairs group and at a coffee and discussion
group. “We tackle in-depth subjects covering everything
from religion to politics and philosophy – it’s pretty wide
ranging,” he says. “The State Government are pushing to
alleviate the problem of social isolation [amongst retirees]
and U3A is one of the cogs in the wheel, helping to lessen
that problem. We encourage people to get out of the
house, have a chat to somebody, interact socially. It’s of
great benefit to them.”
The benefit of U3A is something Fiddlers Green Village
Manager Joseph Bailouni witnesses regularly. “We have
around 20 classes on offer here including current affairs,
computer classes, painting, choirs, discussion groups
– to the extent that we struggle to find room for new
ones. We have such an active calendar,” he says. “I’ve
always been a very strong believer in U3A, the idea that
it’s never too late to start learning and our residents have
proved that you can do so in a fun, safe and enriching
environment. Benefits include keeping the mind active;
if it’s an exercise class, keeping the body active, if it’s
a music class, enjoying the music. There’s always the
opportunity to pick up a new skill or develop an existing
one. Like anything, the more you put in, the more you get
out of it – and the tutors are there to guide you.”
So how do you get involved? It’s the easiest (and most
rewarding) thing you’ll ever do. “Go to the U3A Network
site (u3aVictoria.com.au) –which is the umbrella
organisation for Victoria. You’ll find everything you need
to know there, including the closest U3A to you, and all
the classes to choose from,” says Colin. “The beauty of
it all is that it’s low cost. Every U3A sets its own budget
and fees. We charge $35 per year – and for that, you can
enrol in as many classes as you like.
“The best thing about U3A, is that it promotes lifelong
learning. Of course, you learn throughout your childhood,
then in your working life – but U3A gives you the
opportunity to choose what you want to learn, and do it
in your own time, in a social environment. Don’t stop at
one thing. Build your interests and challenge yourself. The
obvious message is that your age doesn’t matter – don’t
ever give up.”
06
Never stop learning
The inspiring organisation, University of The Third Age, offers proof that
you’re never too old to master new skills.
