School for seniors gathers and keeps people engaged

Mary Veldhuis has been convenor of the Launceston School for Seniors for the past five years and has never found it hard to find an interesting and willing speaker.

Run through Libraries Tasmania’s Adult Education program, School for Seniors provides an opportunity for older people, usually retired, to meet and hear from volunteer guest speakers.

Speakers at the now monthly get-togethers cover a range of topics, including health and wellbeing, travel, technology, history and writing.

Mary says that there is usually around 90 people enrolled in the program, with some having attended for more than two decades. A two-person Committee shares responsibility for arranging speakers and the other any necessary technology.

“We have had some great discussions and speakers, so I think everyone knows that they will enjoy being there”.

“Most of the people who come want to keep their minds active and have the
social interaction. There have been lots of friendships made over the morning tea we provide each time and people see each other outside of the program as a result” – Mary Veldhuis

Long-time member, Peter Fawcett, became aware of School for Seniors about seven years ago when an “oldies” entertainment group he is in was booked to entertain for the Rosny group.

“The format seemed good, so I joined in 2018. At Rosny, we have covered History & Heritage; Travel infrastructure and members’ travelogues; Science and Environment; Cultural/Social events and traditions; Social/Community issues; Personal development, preparedness and progress, including aged care, of course.”

Peter, now 82, qualified as a structural engineer in the UK and worked as a designer on large-scale projects before transitioning to become a university lecturer in architectural technology and science, firstly in the UK and then here in Australia.

Having retired from paid employment 24 years ago, Peter remains busy with owner /maker /manager projects.

Peter says that the program provides opportunities for “constructive conversation” in a “relaxed and friendly atmosphere”.

At the June meeting, Dr Ted Vidor made a return visit after his previous session on medical treatment options was very well received, while in July, Julie Frost presented on convict orphans.

In August, members are looking forward to the opportunity to hear a violinist and cellist from the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra perform and talk about their musical careers.

https://adulteducation.libraries.tas.gov.au/course/SFSS1