Do you know about the Seniors University? I assume that as an active participant in Seniors@Work you will say “of course!”
I recently had a look at the Senior University website and looked at the topics planned for the period October 2020 to early summer 2021. And yes, I have to admit, I had to smile: a large proportion of the guest lectures relate to health topics. Spine / psychotherapy / microbes / egg to embryo / emergencies / memory loss / Parkinson's and some other health-related content are listed. Of course there are also the other lectures, those on inheritance law, the cosmos, the emancipation of women, globalization, music and machines and much more. But I know from a reliable source that the health lectures - which take place in the university lecture hall - are extremely well attended. Men and women have to leave early if they want a seat.
Why are we so concerned about health, especially as we get older?
I admit: when I was younger, I only spent a few minutes thinking about my health. There was too much else going on in my life. But the older I get, the more minor ailments come to the fore here and there, and the more vague fears come with them. I actively consider what will happen next, and when it comes to major projects that a city like Basel is planning, I consider whether I will even live to see them. I have been the oldest in my immediate family since 2005. My parents and brother have all died. I think about our living situation and how we can best remain independent for a long time to come: what do we need to do to achieve this - especially now, while we are still healthy and happy? Will I still be there when our youngest grandchild learns a trade, gets married, or perhaps promotes me to great-grandmother?
Dealing with all of this in a pragmatic way and not letting yourself get drawn into a slump is a challenge. And that is exactly why I think the Seniors@Work idea is worth its weight in gold. Seniors@Work has set itself the goal of using the potential of senior citizens. This potential includes technical skills, but also the value of experience about life itself, which should not be underestimated. People who have years under their belt are not necessarily calcified, but have the perspective of decades. And from this perspective, new situations are reflected and take on another dimension.
In short: there is nothing better to combat aging than to get involved. Against the aches and pains! Against the vague fears! And for a clear view and lots of joy.
Dear reader, I send you my warmest greetings! Stay healthy! And maybe we'll see each other at the senior citizens' university?
And by the way: No one should come to me and say that seniors are not adaptable! The seniors' university works via Zoom in times of Corona! Like so many other things. And "we old people" are at the forefront of digitalization! Yes, we are!
Beatrice Isler
