The first quarter of the Life Course Scholars has come to an end, and quite a rocky end at that due to all the commotion of what will become of the course due to COVID-19. It is a bit disheartening that many of the site visits and even many healthy aging projects must be modified due to these circumstances. However, I understand how these measures are necessary to ensure safety among the public and particularly, the older adults.
Overall, the Life Course Scholars program has been such an enriching, engaging, and educational environment that has opened my eyes to many topics that I would have never thought about before. This course allows its students to dive into a community that is often neglected and outcasted because of their age. When in reality, these older adults are just as energetic if not more now than ever as the class saw at the Zumba outing! This course has taught me a variety of topics on aging like current stigmas, affordable housing, and how to better communicate with older adults. And, every site visit has made me not only appreciate the class more, but also open my eyes to a population I was not used to familiarizing myself with. As far as improvements go, I honestly have none at the moment. All the projects, books, and site visits allow a well-rounded environment for students to explore what it takes for healthy aging, yet allows students to see what the reality of the current aging population is living like.
This class has positively affected more than I could have ever imagined. It is quite a humbling experience to really appreciate what I have now. Especially, when we go out to sites like the Gary and Mary West Center and see how the older adults just simply appreciate each other’s company. [redacted]. Also, the class is important for students, for its easy to imagine your life 4-5 years in advance, but no one really wonders where they will be 60+ years from now which should equally be as important.
I am excited to see what spring quarter has to offer, and how we will work around these times to continue such an amazing class. Thank you so much Professor Lewis and Professor Rabinowitz Bussel!
Overall, the Life Course Scholars program has been such an enriching, engaging, and educational environment that has opened my eyes to many topics that I would have never thought about before. This course allows its students to dive into a community that is often neglected and outcasted because of their age. When in reality, these older adults are just as energetic if not more now than ever as the class saw at the Zumba outing! This course has taught me a variety of topics on aging like current stigmas, affordable housing, and how to better communicate with older adults. And, every site visit has made me not only appreciate the class more, but also open my eyes to a population I was not used to familiarizing myself with. As far as improvements go, I honestly have none at the moment. All the projects, books, and site visits allow a well-rounded environment for students to explore what it takes for healthy aging, yet allows students to see what the reality of the current aging population is living like.
This class has positively affected more than I could have ever imagined. It is quite a humbling experience to really appreciate what I have now. Especially, when we go out to sites like the Gary and Mary West Center and see how the older adults just simply appreciate each other’s company. [redacted]. Also, the class is important for students, for its easy to imagine your life 4-5 years in advance, but no one really wonders where they will be 60+ years from now which should equally be as important.
I am excited to see what spring quarter has to offer, and how we will work around these times to continue such an amazing class. Thank you so much Professor Lewis and Professor Rabinowitz Bussel!