Retirees studying into old age

You really can teach an ‘old dog new tricks’, according to Frankston’s University of the Third Age president, Gail Gerd.

“We are finding more and more retired people want to use their skills to learn or tutor others. Older people are actually feeling younger now,” Ms Gerd tells DPS News.

Her comments come after a new survey, conducted by Apia Insurance, found people aged over 50 years have a “thirst for knowledge” as they enter retirement.

The findings show 90% of respondents plan to take a class or course, with about 60% stating education would be a major part of their retirement.

The survey also reveals the top classes which interest older Australians are computing, history or foreign cultures, art or craft, cooking and another language.

Other classes of interest include: photography, writing, traditional or alternative medicine and business-finance.

“Many want to learn a language they missed at school; or it could be they want to travel to Italy,” Ms Gerd says, adding she believes the survey is “fairly accurate”.

She claims learning institutions for older people are becoming more popular.

“People come into contact with like-minded folk. Often one person comes along outof curiosity and then brings a friend.”

Retaining knowledge and learning new information in later years is now a growing trend, and Ms Gerd says keeping an active mind in old age has advantages.

“It keeps people in contact with others and members watch out for each other and are delighted by the results of their learning efforts.”

Are you an older Australian who is ‘thirsty for knowledge’? Share your thoughts on mature-age study by commenting in the box below.