Older Adults Offer
Their Views of Lifelong Learning
Community Forums held
to gather information
Photo East St. Louis
TAG An East St. Louis group discusses education for all ages.
The conveners of the five regional meetings were Anthony Traxler,
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville; Carla Gosney,
Kathie Clark, and Sandi Plank, RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer
Program, John Wood Community College, Quincy; Patricia O'Malley,
Renaissance Court, Chicago Department on Aging; Belinda Wholebin;
Psychology Department, Rockford College; Mike O'Donnell,
East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging, Champaign
"When an older person dies, it is similar to a library
burning down--we lose an abundance of valuable knowledge"
(Edwardsville Forum).
Future: "I can see the active adults of the future in
their 90's fully employed and contributing to society
especially in a computer "virtual" world,"
Leo Pondelisk, 72, Decatur
"Education has opened many doors to me and also given
me many possibilities for serving others," John Nation,
Monticello.
"I always encourage teenagers and younger children to
become involved in our volunteering program at our nursing home.
Get involved with the elderly and learn to love them and learn
from them," Janeen Rowe, Clinton
"I am still learning. My parents insisted on all seven
of us to go to school and graduate from high school. Then they
helped me by scrape up enough money so I could go into nurses
training. When I completed my education. They were so proud."
Alice Hall, Westville
"By volunteering for elderly and young persons, I encourage
others to do the same," Madonna Wright.
"The opportunity to be alert, active involved while providing
new vistas, new friendships--contrary to the old adage--you
can teach an old dog new tricks."
"As we live longer, education strengthens our health;
it helps our losses due to retirement and heath of family and
friends. It brings fun and excitement to our life. It helps
assuage feeling of boredom and loneliness. It puts us in touch
with other people," Erica Weinberg, Chicago
"While formal education stopped, learning still continues
and is treasured. I enjoy and can contribute to conversation
with virtually anyone," Raymond Wentworth, Chicago.
"Older adults are one of our natural resources in Illinois
and this is only becoming more so as the older boomers reach
55 in 2001. Continuing education is needed to tap into this
vast ocean of talent and experience," Robert McClellan,
Chicago
"Education is the staff of life for the older learner.
One's horizons or broadened. Boredom is eliminated. One
is motivated to maintain good health and to participate in life,"
Fern Brodie, Chicago.
"Education keeps me from staying in and being alone.".
"The study of language was extremely important in shaping
my attitudes toward other cultures and even directing me to
my life work in South America. Today I teach English as a Second
Language on a volunteer basis--a great source of satisfaction,"
Jane Miller, Quincy
"I can't think of any area of life that has not
been affected by education. But formal education prepares one
for better dealing with the complexities, sharing the experience
and reflection of thousands of other learners, profiting by
the experiments and debates of the ages. In senior years the
glorious joy of education is the freedom to choose what one
studies, reads, discusses," Herbert Crede, Quincy
"We want to sit in a rocking chair, once in awhile! Otherwise,
keep the opportunities for learning for older adults coming.
If we don't use it, we lose it! We have lots to offer--and
lots to learn," Nadine Bent, Quincy
"I believe education should be a lifelong adventure. An
active mind (by Comments from page 14 more education) makes
an active body with less sickness and depression." Rockford
Forum
"I am able to volunteer to help both adults and children
to read and do math."
"Education has helped me keep up with my children and
grandchildren. It helps me keep up with the times." Edwardsville
Forum
"As my father told me, ‘I can't give you money,
but I will give you your education.' Dear Dad (died 1974):
There could have never been a better gift," Barbara Bate,
Rockford.
"Education has had a very great impact on my life. Exercising
the mind is every bit as important as exercising the body,"
From a runner in Rockford.
