Lifelong Learning -- May 17

Hello, I'm Lorna Barrett. Whether you're a member of the so-called "sandwich" generation ... that's someone who is caring both for their children and an elderly parent, or a Boomer about to embark on your retirement years, or even someone in their twenties with parents who are starting to face the realities of getting older, aging impacts everyone at various stages of life. How you meet these challenges ... and find the resources available to help you is the focus on today's episode of Successful Aging.

In the 50s and 60s The United States was experiencing unprecedented growth. Just the sheer numbers of the Baby Boom generation alone precipitated new businesses, homes and schools. Now, 50 years later, as this same Boomer generation heads into retirement ... community needs are changing. Cuyahoga County now finds itself as the second oldest urban county in the United States outside of the Sunbelt. And this dynamic group wants more than just a bingo night. In fact they demand something different. And this is where the Cleveland Foundation comes in. For almost 90 years the foundation been dedicated to improving the quality of life in Greater Cleveland.

"Early in 2002 we began a progressive campaign to examine and understand the current condition and future needs of aging individuals in Cuyahoga County. We formed a Healthy Aging Task force consisting of community leaders and professionals in the field of aging and it was this task force that identified specific areas of need and launched an effort to make Cuyahoga County a more livable community, across all generations, by shifting some of the emphasis from health as the sole measure of success in aging to a focus of celebrating and empowering individuals as they transition through every stage of life."

"The task force identified lifelong learning as a key ingredient of successful aging."

(Lorna Barrett) Well just what is a lifelong learner? Dr. Joan Mortimer is a retired psychologist, emeritus faculty member at Case Western Medical School and ... one example of a lifelong learner Dr. Mortimer package Bell choir/Hindu class/lifelong learner (Lorna Barrett) Dr. Mortimer is looking forward to her 80th birthday later this month and definitely is an example of someone who is aging successfully. When we return we'll take a look at some programs being initiated here in our community, that will expand the opportunities for learning even more… …Stay with us.

(Lorna) A major part of aging successfully depends greatly upon the programs and services that a community provides to those who want to be involved in ongoing learning and development. As part of The Cleveland Foundation's Successful Aging Initiative, four organizations have received pilot grants to support Lifelong learning. The Fairhill Center for Aging, Goodrich-Gannett Neighborhood Center, The Murtis H. Taylor Multi Service Center, and Cuyahoga Community College.

Welcome back to Successful Aging, I’m Lorna Barrett. We just took a look at some of the lifelong learning opportunities that are becoming available to both young and old alike. But what is the importance of being a lifelong learner? Are there actual physical as well as mental benefits involved? Dr. David Lipschitz, author of "Breaking the Rules of Aging," is a professor of Geriatrics at the University of Arkansas and host of "Aging Successfully With Doctor David" seen on PBS.

LornaShot of book :20 As the Baby Boom generation heads into retirement, organizations like the Cleveland Foundation are trying to insure that resources are available to the many who share "a vision of life" characterized by ongoing learning, growth and development. However, as people age problems can arise that will challenge those who desire to remain active.

Even though there are these obstacles that face us, technology exists to help many of those in need. But probably the biggest advantage anyone can have is the desire or will to be active and engaged.

I want to thank you for watching today, we've really only touched on some of the resources that are available in our area when it comes to lifelong learning. There are so many communities and organizations that have educational classes or programs that it is impossible to tell you about all of them. If you're interested in finding out about lifelong learning opportunities, your local library can be a great resource. And certainly, the Cleveland Foundation can provide you excellent resources at successful aging dot org. You can also reach them at 216 861-3810.

Credits

For more information, contact:
Constance Swank, Ph.D., AARP Research Group, 202-434-6173
Albert R. Hollenbeck, Ph.D., AARP Research Group, 202-434-6280
Teresa Keenan, Ph.D., AARP Research Group, 202-434-6274

Linda Fisher, Ph.D., AARP Research Group, 202-434-6304
July 19, 2000
Copyright 2000 AARP