EDUCATION
Lifelong Learning
The University of Manitoba, Lifelong Learning offers older adults educational opportunities to continue their professional development in a relaxed learning environment. Visit the Lifelong Learning website for the latest educational opportunities, news and upcoming events of interest to older adults. Learning includes videos that are part of lifelong learning at University of Manitoba.
If you would like to learn about any upcoming events and learning opportunities, contact extended@umanitoba.ca
Did you know that the University of Manitoba provides free degree credit courses for individuals over the age of 65?
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Let no one be alone week: May 5–11, 2013
Download poster (PDF)
Feeling lonely is a reality for many older adults living in Manitoba. People who experience loneliness often feel a general sense of emptiness, do not have people that they feel close to, miss having people around and often feel rejected. Did you know that 35.9% of older Manitobans, men and women, reported feelings of loneliness in the 2007 General Social Survey (Profile of Manitoba’s Seniors, 2010).
Social inclusion has been designated as one of the key pillars in creating an age-friendly community. Research shows that communities that promote social participation and inclusion are better able to protect the health of their citizens, including those who are socially isolated (Age-Friendly Rural and Remote Communities Guide).
Last year, Brenda Tonn, a Seniors Resource Coordinator from the community of Plumas, developed an innovative initiative to reach isolated seniors called “Let No One Be Alone Week.” She envisioned a week focused on increasing awareness about those who are alone and encouraging everyone to reach out to, visit, call and/or reconnect with someone who may be lonely. In total more than 50 communities across Manitoba participated in Let No One Be Alone Week last year. This year, the goal is to have 100 communities participate.
This week let’s take the time to make sure those that are alone know that we care!
World elder abuse awareness day: June 15
Web site: http://weaadmanitoba.ca/
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and in Manitoba we have recognized and celebrated WEAAD since 2006. This year we invite you to join us by planning an activity or event in your community.
Need help getting started?
Visit www.weaadmanitoba.ca where you will find valuable resources to make planning and promoting your WEAAD event even easier. Some of the key features of the site include:
- Resources & Ideas to assist you in planning an event. NEW this year are resources for schools and youth programs including classroom ideas, activity & colouring sheets as well as balloons and tattoos
- Promote your event and order resources all in one easy step at Register Your Event
- Keep up to date with What’s Happening in your community or region
- Use the Media & Marketing tools - press release, elder abuse article, proclamation & logos
- Access Presentations about elder abuse & toolkits full of ideas
Our goal is to have events planned in every region of Manitoba. It can be as simple as wearing purple ribbons, displaying information & resources or having a coffee break. Nothing is too small to be considered or registered.
Elder abuse is everyone’s business, together we can prevent the abuse of older Manitobans.
Men's sheds
Did you know that in Manitoba a grassroots organization in Winnipeg is helping senior men keep busy outside of the house? How is that? Through Men's sheds, which is similar to organizations in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and England. In fact, there are over 1000 "sheds" in total!
Recently a short video on this local Men's sheds group was completed by Charles Feaver, of Young Retired. View the video to learn about some of the activities mend undertake.
If you or you know of any men who are interested in Men's sheds or wants to learn more, you can contact Doug Mackie by email him or by phone: (204) 832-0629.
Men’s learning and wellbeing research to early 2012
Professor Barry Golding
Researching Adult and Community Education (RAVE)
Associate Dean, School of Education & Arts, University of Ballarat, Australia
Patron Australian Men’s Shed Association & Adult Learning Australia, Vice President
b.golding@ballarat.edu.au +61 3 53279733
RAVE’s research interest in men’s learning and wellbeing came out of a series of research projects undertaken in Victoria, Australia since 2002 for the Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board. Men’s Sheds in Australia: Learning through community contexts (2007) was our NCVER (National Centre for Vocational Education research)-funded national study of informal learning through community-based men’s sheds in Australia. That research included surveys and interviews in 25 men’s sheds across five Australian States. The wider suite of research on equity in community-based contexts since the late 1990s (see reference list below of 2007–11 publications) has helped inform ongoing Australian & international research into men’s learning and wellbeing in community contexts.
Download and read the full paper (PDF)
For more information
Completed and ongoing research related to men’s learning & wellbeing is summarized on http://www.adieh.com.au/cb_pages/projects.php
Completed and ongoing research related to men’s sheds is available on the AMSA website http://www.mensshed.org/page16994/Research.aspx
Let no one be alone week: May 5–11, 2013
Various events to take place throughout Manitoba
World elder abuse awareness day: June 15
Web site: http://weaadmanitoba.ca/