Older adults at university: curiosity never retires

Palm"When I retired, I was absolutely certain you wouldn't find me sitting in an armchair," says 81-year-old Francesc in classroom 3 of the Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos building at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), where he and his classmates are waiting for the professor to arrive for the final class of Interculturality and Migration: Science. The 120 students in the Open University for Seniors (UOM) Postgraduate Diploma program—towards a new humanism—have until November 30th to submit the paper they will be assessed on for this course. They can also graduate without taking any assessments if they attend 80% of the classes. "They are the best students I've ever had. They are thoughtful and open-minded, people who are used to listening, something rare these days," explains David Abril, the professor of the course and of Sociology. "They participate without being asked, they bring things up, they question them... This is ideal at any age and it's harder to achieve with young people," he adds, also acknowledging that the reality he has found at the UOM "has exceeded" his expectations—it's the first time he's taught.

Francesc, who takes notes with a fountain pen, worked at Banc de Crèdit Balear "for more than 41 years," and work was no obstacle to his desire to learn. "I've never stopped studying," he says with satisfaction. But the UOM has a primary incentive for him: "I really like the group of friends we've made," a group he values greatly because "it's difficult to make friends at this stage of life." Besides studying, Francisco says he has reaffirmed some ideas he had before returning to the classroom: "I believe in democracy, but not in our kind," he says, becoming serious.

All the students ARA Baleares spoke with—in addition to students in the Specialization program, we also spoke with students in the Senior Diploma program—emphasized the importance of having socialized at the University for Seniors. "I've met some really nice people," says Sandra. "The relationships go beyond the university," adds Alejandro. "There's a shared understanding of customs and ways of being," affirms Núria. "We've had experiences that have given us so much," says Carme. And so it could go on with many other testimonials. Excursions, theater, museum visits, dinners... These students don't limit their learning or socializing to the classroom. And each one brings their own life experiences: some were able to complete a degree and develop a professional life around their studies, others didn't have the opportunity to continue their education because they started working, and many women dedicated themselves to their families—60% of the student body is female. What's interesting is that the differences don't pose an obstacle but rather enrich the relationships between them. "We've had lawyers, doctors, judges... even politicians! And well-known ones at that!" says Maria del Carme.

The joy of learning

Whatever the case, one thing that unites UOM students is that they learn for pleasure, because they no longer feel the pressure of finding a place in the job market. "Having such an appreciative group motivates you as a professor. I try not to let them down. They come to learn, and it's you who ends up being motivated," says David Abril.

"The task of teachers is not easy, because they must be able to encourage students, who have different levels," says Antoni Gamundí, PhD in Biology and director of the UOM. Furthermore, the ages cover a wide range—students can enroll from the age of 50, and in the 2024-2025 academic year there were 2,365 students—which translates into a diversity of interests. "The younger ones are looking for a cultural and educational space. There are people who have already completed university studies and who can now fulfill other needs and curiosities," he continues. As for the older students, some didn't have the opportunity to study before, and for them, university is "a source of pride, a challenge." And being older doesn't make them any less capable than the other students: they have to face assessments, conduct bibliographic research, write, and study. There are also those who run into the younger students in the university hallways and, whether they do or not, can boast about their academic performance. "It's incredibly empowering," says Gamundí, who emphasizes the social function of the UOM. The benefits of learning with others are not only academic and social, but also positively impact health. "These types of activities slow down cognitive decline. There's also a decrease in depression and anxiety disorders, which has an impact on public healthcare waiting lists and pharmaceutical spending," explains the director.

The University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) funds part of the budget of the Open University for Seniors (UOM), which also obtains funding from tuition fees and thanks to support from public (island councils and municipalities) and private entities. Tuition fees are kept as low as possible to make these studies accessible to the widest possible audience: a Senior Diploma course costs €190 (160 hours of instruction) and a Specialization Diploma course costs €195 (100 hours of instruction). The Open University for Seniors' activities are not limited to the UIB campus in Mallorca; it also offers lecture series in towns across Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera. Whenever possible, other initiatives are carried out, such as discussions with experts—a student proposal—and the debate league—which was not held last year but is now being revived.

Furthermore, the difficulties faced by some students have fostered innovation. For example, a hearing loop has been installed so that people with hearing aids can hear the teacher directly, and parking spaces have been designated for adapted vehicles. However, sometimes young people don't respect these rules, and students who truly need them encounter unpleasant surprises, as happened to a woman with a walker who complained the day the ARA Baleares visited some classrooms.

One of the challenges facing the UOM is reaching social strata far removed from the reality of the classroom, neighborhoods with vulnerable populations who may not be aware of this gateway to knowledge. "These classes are not representative of society as a whole, just as university students are not representative of all young people," notes Professor of Physiotherapy Antoni Aguiló, who teaches the subject Health and Quality of Life. Aguiló emphasizes that one of the most important factors in enjoying a good quality of life is "sharing with other people." "Social connection is health," he affirms, practically in the classroom, because the students immediately ask where the professor is if he's a few minutes late. "I don't know who learns more, them or me," he adds. David Abril shares this view. "They make you reflect on things you hadn't thought about before," he says, and gives an example. "The other day we were talking about the grief of migration, and a man told me that he also felt it when his family left Capdepera for Palma. He felt like a migrant without having left Mallorca. It makes you think," she says.

It's common to associate the right to education with children and young people, as if it weren't an issue that affects one's entire life. "The UOM has recovered that meaning," says Abril. "I've always liked going to school. I like to listen, to be told things," says Carme, 72, while Maria del Carme (82) points out that the classes help "to catch up on many things." "I had tried many things before, but I needed to enrich my cultural and personal background," concludes Núria (79). But they can't continue talking: the lesson is about to begin, and they must pay attention.