Furthering One’s Education as an Older Individual

In keeping with the theme of positive aging is the idea of later-life education. As people age and review their lives to that point, some experience regret, that they did not pursue certain paths. The idea of furthering one’s education can be intimidating, however, and seem impossible.

Contrary to this idea, there are a number of programs at universities designed to accommodate varying needs, such as a busy schedule. Many universities offer advanced standing programs, night courses, and distance education (online) classes, to name a few. Furthermore, equivalency tests are offered in order to recognise the practical knowledge people may have acquired previous to beginning their degree.

Recently, the Huffington Post published an article on Sharon Handelsman. After years of working as a nurse-midwife, Handelsman decided to pursue her life-long dream of becoming a doctor. She describes living in a university residence in her 50’s, with students who were coming out of high school, and getting her degree at 58.

This inspiring story shows us that it is never too late to begin a new project, and can be viewed at:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/12/sharon-handelsman-physician_n_1336609.html#s772378&title=Laura_Ingalls_Wilder

For a list of resources related to later life learning in Ontario, visit:

http://www.seniors.gov.on.ca/en/seniorsguide/learning_volunteering_2.php

Positive Aging

While the people in the article, Super Seniors, are deserving of this name due to their achievements - considerable even for people half their age – we wonder if their abilities are truly extraordinary, or if they are simply more ahead of the game than most when it comes to positive aging.

The StarPhoenix article can be viewed at:

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/entertainment/Super+Seniors/6373097/story.html

Studies have shown that playing games can help to keep seniors’ minds sharp, and help to combat memory loss.

The CBC article can be viewed at:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2012/03/27/brain-cognitive-training-memory-seniors.html

House Calls, by Dr Nowaczynski

Toronto physician, Dr Mark Nowaczynski, has received much media attention in recent years for his unusual practise. He recognised that there were a number of elderly individuals living in isolation – both social and physical - within the city, due to reasons such as limited mobility and contacts. In spite of this, there were few in-home healthcare services available to accommodate them. 

In response, Dr. Nowaczynski began conducting house calls to senior citizens full time and founded House Calls. In addition to Dr Nowaczynski, the House Calls team includes a social worker, an occupational therapist, a registered nurse, and a nurse practitioner. They describe themselves as a not-for-profit program providing frail, vulnerable, marginalized and homebound seniors with physician-led interdisciplinary care at home.

As one might expect, this experience introduced him to a wide variety of people of varying backgrounds and stories. In what has been described as an act that portrays both the vulnerability as well as inner strength of these individuals, Dr Nowaczynski began taking black and white photographs of his patients. These images were on display at the ROM throughout the summer of 2011 and received much praise. In addition to his series, Dr Nowaczynski’s work can be seen in Ian McLeod’s (2004) documentary, House Calls.

House Calls website:

http://www.seniorshousecalls.ca/

House Calls: the Documentary

http://www.nfb.ca/film/house-calls/

Celebrating Aging

Before They were Grandparents

Is a website dedicated celebrating the lives and achievments of older adults through photography.

http://www.beforetheyweregrandparents.com

Aging Myths: 5 Big Misconceptions About Growing Older

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/debra-ollivier/five-biggest-aging-myths_b_1350128.html#s794678&title=5_We_Age