Family and Later Life
Q.1
Older people, especially those who are retiring, may often have nothing to do, barely have a social life and therefore need engagement in any available activity that may help them make optimal use of their time. Osher lifelong learning institute (OLLI) offers various classes in the field of arts, health and fitness, humanities, language and literature, personal enrichment, and science, currently on zoom, tailored to meet the unique needs of the older population. An older person can choose a class in making sense of nutrition or watercolor in arts.
Q.2
Making sense in nutrition is a class that helps the learners explore food awareness practices. In the class, the learners are taught the benefits of various food and the relationship between food and health. In watercolor classes, the learners are actively engaged in learning to color and paint using different techniques.
Q.3
In making sense of nutrition class, an older person may gain enriched knowledge of the advantages and drawbacks of taking certain foods types. This will mostly help them choose the types and quantity of food they take to ensure their good health and maintain body fitness. On the other hand, water coloring, especially for those who have a passion for it, will engage both the older person’s body and mind and help achieve a holistic active person. Besides, they may use such skills to earn a living during their free time.
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The activity theory is the best theoretical framework that can explain older adults’ continuation to learn at OLLI institution. This theory attests that older adults are usually happier when they maintain their asocial life and remain active. Any activities, such as those offered in all these courses, ensure that the older adult is kept busy to replace previous job attachments and prevent the entry of loneliness. This theory assumes that there is a positive correlation between activity and life satisfaction, which the OLLI institution aims at providing.