Savour ’A Taste’ of Lifelong Learning at DCU

Ahead of Age-Friendly University open day, Spry talks to older students about their lifelong learning experiences

Back to school, isn’t just for kids, you know! For an increasing number of older people it’s an opportunity to embrace learning opportunities and make new friends at college.

As the start of the academic year approaches, Dublin City University (DCU) is offering a free open day, A Taste of DCU, specifically designed for older people interested in the lifelong learning opportunities at DCU’s Age-Friendly University (AFU).

More than 2,000 students aged over 50 attend DCU each year, participating in a huge range of educational, cultural, social, and wellness activities at the Age-Friendly University. The pioneering programme creates an inclusive and welcoming environment for learners which values the contributions of older people, challenges age-related stereotypes and promotes the exchange of experiences and perspectives across generations.

A Taste of DCU, which takes place on September 4th, will give participants a ‘taste’ of the courses and other activities offered by the AFU, ranging from creative writing to music, history, art, languages, genealogy, technology, and many other areas. It also provides an opportunity meet staff and students at the Glasnevin campus in Dublin.

Find out more and reserve your place at A Taste of DCU »

Savour ’A Taste’ of Lifelong Learning at DCU

Inspiring stories

Lifelong learning is crucial for keeping the mind sharp, reducing the risk of cognitive decline, and combatting loneliness and exclusion. That’s why Spry is proud to support the Age-Friendly University.

We spoke to several AFU students about their experiences at the AFU. Watch their inspiring stories in the videos below…

Nobody my age should be bored and say, ‘Oh, I have nothing to do’, or I sit at home all day doing nothing. There is such a wealth of courses and activity and engagement all around, culturally, every way.
Mary McCarthy, 73

My day would include going to a course, but also around that is the commute to DCU, perhaps coffee on campus, perhaps lunch on campus, and you meet people. Out on the campus ground, you meet and engage with them. And if you’re open to that engagement, it’s empowering, it’s enriching, it’s great.
Steve Petherbridge, 65

There was a writer’s course as part of the open day – and I joined that class. That’s about five or six years ago and I’ve been attending classes ever since. The main thing about the classes I find is the camaraderie and the friendships… even when there’s the semester is over, we meet out in the garden outside over the summer… we keep in touch.
Tony Breathnach, 74

The social aspect is huge and it’s so important and that’s what I got, a lot of that out of every class I did. It gives you focus and it gives you something to get up in the morning for.
Catherine Conway, 66

Speaking about the AFU, Spry Finance CEO John Moriarty said: “For 12 years the Age-Friendly University has been placing older people at the heart of college life, providing lifelong learning opportunities that offer mental stimulation, purpose, belonging, and friendship to those those who embrace them.”

“A Taste of DCU allows anyone who’s interested to experience what the AFU has to offer. It is a wonderful initiative for those seeking a greater life in later life.”