Never too old to learn : Streatham care home honours it’s special ‘graduates’
Residents at a care home have been keen to prove that you should never stop learning, by enrolling in language classes, cookery sessions, photography courses and a host of other activities.
And what better way to celebrate all those achievements than in a graduation ceremony?
Uplands Care Home in Leigham Court Road, Streatham, prides itself on being a hotbed of learning, and enthusiastic pensioners have embraced programmes which have also included live online ‘tours’ of far-flung places, dancing and singing classes, and even graffiti spray painting.
The ‘Love Learning’ event is running in all Brighterkind care homes across the UK, with family, friends and members of the local community invited to the graduation ceremonies to see residents showcase some of their accomplishments and be presented with their certificates of lifelong learning.
The home’s manager, Catherine Ogbogu-Sang, said: “Continuing to learn in older age has many benefits.
“As well as keeping our brains healthy, acquiring new knowledge gives a real sense of purpose and achievement.
“Our Magic Moments activities programme includes lots of opportunities to get involved, learn new things and, above all, have great fun together.”
Resident, Margaret Gimson, aged 74, said: “I can’t say I was that keen on school when I was younger, but I’ve loved learning lots of new things and feel really proud of myself.
“My favourite activity has been the dancing sessions. I reckon I’d give those professionals on Strictly a run for their money.”
Joseph Russell, 86, said: “They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but I’ve learnt so many new things this year.
“I can now speak a bit of Spanish and French, know how to keep fit by exercising in my chair, and I even learnt how to make the best pizza in the world from a chef in Rome.”
Pictured top: Resident Joseph Russell with team member Heather Neaum after another session of graffiti art (All Pictures: Four Seasons Health Care Group)