This course aims to use the shared life experience of older people to help combat isolation, reduce loneliness and provide mental stimulation.
The course is targeted at older people (typically aged 60 – 90+) some of whom may have dementia, living in sheltered housing/care homes.
The course is learner centred, where the learners can choose from a wide menu of possible topics to explore eg agriculture; shopping’ schooling etc. It is based on group discussion/exploration of key topics, comparing the present day with 50+ years ago. This frequently leads to wider social and political dimensions being explored eg climate change, sustainability, gender roles etc.. And group members are often set areas to research between group meetings.
The courses are hugely valued by the older people themselves, their families and the staff of the sheltered complex.