Twenty-two students at Les Jardins du Campanile, a residence for retired people in Shawinigan, Que., are proof you never stop learning.
The students, of whom the average age was 82, received a certificate in December for completing a university philosophy course.
The course was offered as part of a pilot project which saw Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières export its Université du Troisième Âge (UTA) program beyond its campus.
UTA offers university courses to people who are over 50, regardless of education and background, according to the program website. The courses aren’t credited and don’t involve any assignments or grading. Participants can simply attend class and listen to the professor or take part in discussion.
The types of courses offered are usually general and can range from music to literature and climate change to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Because of the success of its program, which was instituted only two years ago and already received 600 registrations last fall, UTA decided to offer courses off-campus as well.
Stéphanie Vermette, program co-ordinator for UTA, explained Les Jardins du Campanile had shown a lot of enthusiasm for the classes when UTA presented the program in the summer of 2009.
Considering that the residence is a 25-minute car ride away from the campus and many of the residents don’t have drivers’ licences, it would be difficult for them to attend regular classes.
“Why not offer classes to a clientele who has more difficulty getting around?” Vermette said in a French interview.
Les Jardins du Campanile employee Nancy Laroche echoed Vermette’s comment, saying getting on campus was a prime difficulty for residents. The residence wanted to make studies and university courses accessible, she said.
Many residents are very curious, but didn’t have the opportunity to attend university when they were younger, explained Laroche in French. Many were realizing a lifelong dream by going back to school, she added.
While participants aren’t required to complete assignments outside of class, Laroche said some students pushed further and did their own readings or personal research on the topic.
Access to university classes has been a plus for residents, because activities usually focus on physical activity and social interaction, said Laroche. Just as any other muscle, the brain has to be kept active in order to delay aging, she added.
Vermette said UTA is currently reviewing the program at Les Jardins du Campanile and assessing whether it can be offered to any other residences.
In the meantime, 20 residents will take a music course as of Feb. 14, in which they will study a symphony orchestra from Trois-Rivières and analyze different musical trends.