A new year brings about a new set of resolutions for many of us. Most of these resolutions focus on health or taking up activity but for some, such as older Australians, the challenge means surpassing limits and going beyond public perception. Here are a few heartwarming and inspirational stories:
Dance the night away
General practitioner Wendy Dobinson enrolled in her first ballet class at the age of 50. This is due to her son taking up ballet as his profession.
Dr. Dobinson admitted that she was anxious about her first class, but since then, it became a part of her daily routine.
This hobby has made significant improvements to her health and this benefit was even extended to her patients. She acknowledged the physical benefits of the activity such as reducing her neck pain.
Moreover, Dr. Dobinson pointed out that the combination of soothing music and indulging oneself in the company of such people made the activity even more interesting.
From the office to the shed
A 73-year old Albert Lee didn’t know what to do with his spare time after his retirement from decades of clerical work.
From sifting through bundles of paper and typing every day, Mr. Lee is now involved in crafting things he can use.
Now a member of Men’s Shed, the organisation that fosters crafting, Mr. Lee was able to discover his interest in metalwork. He just produced a fishing reel recently.
Mr. Lee eventually learned how to make technical drawings aside from doing metal and wood crafts.
He expressed his joy regarding the fruits of his labor and pointed out that the main benefits of organisations such as Men’s Shed is his engagement with post-retirement activities and mastering new skills.
Finding joy after the loss
Robyn Bunting, a 65-year old who did not stop learning after retirement. She returned to study after the death of her husband.
Ms. Bunting enrolled in the University of the Third Age, an institution that aims to provide a support system to retired members of the community.
The said organisation offers various classes for people over 50 ranging from card games to language courses.
She said that she always had an enquiring mind but her occupation made little opportunity to pursue education but when retirement comes, she did not hesitate to pursue such a thing.
Apart from learning, Ms. Bunting is also making new friends.
‘Fearlessness’ to learning in older age
These examples of retired seniors aren’t only learning a new set of skills but also they’re excelling in it.
Natalie Hammond, the ballet teacher of Dr. Dobinson said that the doctor made her way to be the best in the class.
Ms. Hammond saw various improvements in the specific skills of Dr. Dobinson when it comes to ballet.
She added that it is her belief that there is fearlessness in learning for older age because of the inculcated wisdom throughout their lives.
However, she admitted that learning the basics of a specific skill set would be more challenging. She even provoked an analogy of learning a new language that it would be a bit harder for the younger child.
What the experts say
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare provides that there is a steady growth of aging people in Australia with one in seven people are aged 65.
But only a smaller number are engaged in various activities such as employment, education or training who are at the greater risk of being drawn into loneliness and functional decline.
Geropsychologist Nancy Pachana, from the University of Queensland, also expressed that the existence of challenges is outweighed by the benefits of learning new skill sets.
Research provides that learning any new skill set is beneficial for older people because it could create opportunities and connections.
Dr. Pachana also acknowledged that there is fear associated with taking up new things such as learning new skills but when choosing what to learn properly and effectively could lead to beneficial matters.
Image: Wikimedia // CC-BY-00
