IT turns out you actually can teach old dogs new tricks. Scientists discovered that our brains, even in adulthood, can still learn and change.
This brainpower, called neuro- plasticity, allows us to improve our knowledge and skills throughout our lives.
Studying at age 50 and above
Opportunities to learn later in life have been associated with a host of benefits, such as being less socially isolated and staying sharp mentally.
A small number of older adults are aware of this fact.
At the 27th Convocation of Open University Malaysia (OUM) last October, the majority of the roughly 5,000 graduates were aged 20 to 49. But about 5% were aged 50 and above, with the oldest being an MBA graduate aged 90.
The reasons why some people decide to return to university vary. Some want to acquire new skills. Others aim to advance in their careers. And for some, going back to school helps them achieve long-standing personal goals.
The 90-year-old, a former headmaster in Seremban, want- ed to spend his remaining years purposefully.
Age-friendly university
Universities play a unique role in shaping an ageing world. Over a decade ago, the concept of an age-friendly university emerged, enabling older adults to engage in lifelong learning.
An age-friendly university accepts and supports learners of all ages. What this means may vary for each university.
Some focus on increasing the presence of older adults – considered age 55 and older.
Others lead the development of health and research initiatives to improve the lives of older adults.
Age-friendly learning at OUM
OUM’s focus is on attracting learners at all stages of life. It offers flexible admission, whereby one could enrol if one has relevant working experience though lacking in paper qualifications.
So those who missed out on higher education in their younger days due to financial or other constraints could now seek out a degree and finally become a graduate.
The pathway for this is called APEL, which stands for the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning. There are three types of APEL – APEL.A (Access) considers working experience for admission, APEL.C (Credit) enables credit transfer for faster completion of studies and APEL.Q (qualification) enables one to obtain a degree without going through traditional coursework.
Besides flexible admission, there is also flexible learning. OUM is a digital university, so most of its programmes are offered in fully online mode. This means that all classes, discussions, assignments and even examinations are managed online. So wherever you are in Malaysia, whether in a town or rural village, you can attend classes without having to physically travel to a campus.
Benefits of lifelong learning
Whether older adults go to varsity to earn a degree or just for personal development, their presence on campus benefits the entire community.
Older adults benefit from social opportunities, intellectual stimulation and personal growth. This even extends to their health.
Older adults involved in social activities are less likely to develop certain diseases, including heart disease and some cancers.
Continued learning is also associated with positive health outcomes, such as improved general well-being and mental health.
Research also shows that intergenerational relationships can reduce younger students’ negative perceptions of older adults.
Young students may associate older people less with senility and more with lifelong learning.
Shared classes, even if these are online, promote more positive experiences between them.
Creating an inclusive environment
The best programmes at age-friendly universities make sure that older adults experience a greater sense of inclusivity, respect and opportunities for learning.
At OUM, they can also find a learning style that meets their needs for flexibility.
Gateway to lifelong learning
OUM offers 55 MQA-certified diplomas to PhD programmes under the Faculties of Education, Business and Management, Technology and Applied Sciences and Social Sciences and Humanities.
Although it offers fully online education, students still receive guidance and support through 35 learning centres scattered nationwide.
■ For more information, call the varsity’s team at 03-7801 2000, liaise via enquiries@oum.edu. my, or visit www.oum.edu.my
