Blog Posts 2024
The first post of the year described how CALL provides a unique model of affordable, innovative, and flexible learning for mid-life and older adults. CALL Member Dr. Alana Gowdy talked about the value of CALL in providing "Lifelong Learning for the Health of it."
Another CALL member, Melvin Pasternak, discussed how reading, writing or listening to poetry can improve our mental health.
You can learn more about "Intergenerational Programs" and ways that each of us can reduce "Ageism - Youthism".
Other posts have described adults who are not using their later years to rest and relax. They share their stories in:
- "Late Bloomers" - those who have pursued a new talent or interest in later life, or
- displayed "Resilience" or
- engaged in "Playfulness" to improve overall health.
The final post of the year describes a S.M.A.R.T approach to communication that can help you handle stressful conversations.
Learn About CALL
CALL is a member-led, non-profit organization incorporated under the Societies Act of the Province of Alberta in February 2011. CALL’s mandate is to facilitate lifelong learning for residents of Calgary and area. Programs and activities are wide-ranging, focusing on arts and culture, society and politics, and health and science..
Why is CALL Unique?
Past President Linda Flanagan explains how CALL provides a unique model of affordable, innovative, and flexible learning for mid-life and older adults.
Lifelong Learning for the Health of it.
Many people enrol in lifelong learning programs for the JOY of earning. CALL member and interest group facilitator Dr. Alana Gowdy describes some of the health benefits of engaging in lifelong learning.
Intergenerational Programs
Past President Barbara Decker Pierce talks about the Intergenerational Speakers Series, a collaborative program of Calgary Association of Lifelong Learners (CALL) and Mount Royal University.
The National Council on Aging defines intergenerational programming as "activities or programs that increase cooperation, interaction or exchange between any two generations."
Ageism Youthism
The previous post described an Intergenerational Programs: Antidote to Ageism? In this post I discuss ways that we can reduce "ageism" and "youthism" and the negative effects on all generations.
I Volunteer Because
Canadian volunteers contributed approximately 2.5 billion hours in 2018. Without this contribution, most charities and non-profits would not be able to offer their services.
CALL is an excellent example of volunteerism. It is entirely run by volunteers.
Online Learning for Seniors
Online learning had its origins with correspondence education. Read about the history of online learning in Canada.
When the pandemic occurred CALL quickly pivoted to offering programs online via zoom. Currently some programs are sill provided online because of member preference.
Learn About CALL programs
CALL provides a wide variety of programs in various formats, including:
Interest Groups
Study Programs
Speaker Series (offered monthly and open to the public for a small fee)
Special Programs
A quick look at our calendar of events shows the diversity.
Two posts described popular programs: Book Clubs and Poetry.
Seven Reasons to Join a Book Club
If you have never been a member of a book club, this might encourage you to join one. You will find ideas and links at the end of this post. Check out the many book clubs offered by CALL interest groups.
Appreciating Poetry and Mental Health
Why read, write, or listen to poetry? Because it is good for your mental health - including your cognitive health. I had the pleasure of interviewing Melvin Pasternak, co-facilitator of the CALL Interest Group, The Joy of Poetry: Discussion Group. I share his thoughts about his life-long love of poetry and how to appreciate poetry. If you are already a reader of poetry, you may find yourself agreeing with Melvin's experiences.
Post That Defy Ageism
Three posts describe creative ways the older adults defy some common stereotypes.
Late Bloomers
I chose the term "Late Bloomer" to describe people who pursue and/or express a new talent, ability or success in later life. I invite you to enjoy the stories of three individuals who are exploring new interests and inspiration in their later years.
Resilience in Older Adults
I invited my colleague Cathy Hume to dispel the stereotype that 'older people are set in their ways and don't change.' We share stories of older adults who demonstrated resilience and adaptation
Play and Playfulness
Like sleep, play is a vital human need. Not just for children. Research shows that play can improve overall physical, mental, emotional and social health for adults. Read to learn about the value of play, and types of playful adults. I enjoyed interviewing some members of Acting Our Age, an example of a Calgary group of seniors who engage in play for the benefits of others and themselves.
Advice for the Generations
S.M.A.R.T Conversations
In my career as a Marriage/Family Therapist, I met many families who were struggling to respond to situations that required sensitive conversations. Sometimes a 'generation gap' resulted in misunderstanding. For others, lifelong patterns of communication got in the way. When these individuals asked for a tool that they could use - a way that they could handle stressful conversations - I developed the S.M.A.R.T approach to communication.
Author
Maureen Osis
Maureen retired from her career -- first as a Gerontological Nurse and then a Marriage/Family Therapist in private practice working with mid-life and older adults. Maureen has published numerous articles and books, related to her professions. She is a member of CALL because she is passionate about learning. She is a volunteer with CALL, doing social media and the primary author of the blog, because she likes to face new challenges.
