The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure to curiosity.” Dorothy Parker (1893-1967)
We can fill the days of our sunset years in many ways, but going back to school rates near the top of my list of diversions. I don’t mean earning another degree, though many mature individuals do. I mean going to classes, lectures and on guided tours. Apparently we tend at this age to become “knowers” instead of “learners”; we don’t engage our minds by pursuing new knowledge and experiences. Yet, to stay sharp we must keep our brains active.
Of course we can learn through reading, watching documentaries, visiting museums, etc. And I do not pass a day without competing in Scrabble, Bridge and Sudoku against my CPU. But in addition to stimulating our minds, going to school gets us out of our homes, satisfies our need for sociability — we’re among people with similar interests — and gives structure to our open days. We also acquire fodder for small talk with friends and family.
Having lived by the educational cycle for 30 years in a university town, I feel September marks a new year. In August I eagerly anticipate the programs and opportunities of the fall. For example, Simon Fraser University puts out its Liberal Arts program for 55+ year olds, as well as its Saturday lecture series. This fall I will attend four lectures by History professors who’ll examine aspects of WWI in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the armistice of November 11, 1918.
As my retention of information is not particularly good now, I don’t want to cram for an exam. But in the moment — where we’re supposed to live — I delight in listening to those in the know: an art historian interpreting a selection of works at an art museum, a docent identifying striking features of buildings and sites on a walking tour, a professor outlining the achievements of notable Canadian Agnes Macphail, the first woman parliamentarian who served in the House of Commons from 1921-40.
Given advances in technology, we can easily go back to school without leaving our home. Coursera and edX, for instance, offer free online courses taught by professors at major universities, including the Ivy League. Tutorials on anything, almost everything populate YouTube. We can also use it to catch up on TED Talks and stay current on new developments and ideas. Through YouTube I learned how to set up my blog!
I’ve never been one for specialization. In fact I epitomize dabbling, having developed several skills over the years yet mastered none. At this stage my educators must entertain, as I aim to have fun while acquiring a smidgen of new information. However, I still set standards. A few years ago I enrolled in “The Romantic Movement in Word and Music”, but the professor chatted rather than lectured. And his conversations lacked coherence. I realized talking about the Romantics at home with Glen, an English professor, would be more satisfying. Still, learning “live” — in classrooms or on tours — is the difference between going to a movie and watching it on TV. I’ll continue to go to cinemas until they cease to exist (which, sadly, may happen in my lifetime).
To benefit fully from going back to school, we’re advised to leave our comfort zone. Take classes in subjects that differ from our past avocations. Get into situations that make us humble. I admit I’m not comfortable with being uncomfortable. But I love to learn — even when I forget. •

Bruce Stevenson says
I love the opening quote by Dorothy Parker…and this piece may just be your best one yet Pam. Wonderful!
Bruce
P.S. I was thinking of enrolling in Spanish 101 this fall…and I think my mind is now made up. Thanks.
Pam McPhail says
Thanks, Bruce. I say go for it! With your fluency in French, you’ll take well to Spanish. And then you’ll enjoy trips abroad — didn’t you say you loved Spain or Portugal? — all the more.
Tanya Loretto says
Here here for life long learning! Thanks Pam.
Pam McPhail says
For sure, Tanya. And you’re walking proof — albeit at a more advanced level than me.
Linda Richardson says
Throughout many years of my life, learning always had a goal – getting through school, earning a degree or two, improving my skills or having an opportunity to see what was new in my field of work. You reminded my how liberating it is at this stage of life to just learn something new with no agenda in mind other than learning for its own sake.
Pam McPhail says
Well said, Linda: “learning for its own sake.”
Roy says
Another enjoyable read. I learned a thing or two. Thank you.
Pam McPhail says
I’m writing to the converted in some cases, yours for instance!
Tim McPhail says
Thank You for the early reminder that November 11, 1918 is the 100th anniversary of the armistice. Taking a course about WW1 in September sounds perfect. Do you or any of your readers have a movie or two about the Great War that you can recommend ?
Pam McPhail says
I consulted my faithful reader, Glen, who recommends Paths of Glory (Stanley Kubrick), The Guns of August (an excellent book made into a documentary series), and Oscar winner All Quiet on the Western Front.
Linda Richardson says
I would add ‘Passchendaele’ to that list. It is a 2008 Paul Gross film, starring Paul Gross. Starting in Alberta and then moving to Belgium, it focuses on the bloody First World War battle of Passchendaele.
Pam McPhail says
Excellent suggestion, Linda. I should have remembered Passchendaele as Paul Gross came to Bishop’s, shortly after his film’s release, to show and discuss it in Centennial Theatre to an audience of 400 (of which we were two).