Ever wonder about the secret to happiness? How about the key to longevity? For centuries people have been searching for the secrets to living long, happy lives, and the investigation continues this spring with UBC Okanagan’s first Health and Aging Series, offered through the Community and Continuing Studies program.
“Participants will share in dialogue on aging and discuss current trends and thoughts on the reinvention of aging,” says Tia-Maria Hoeller, Program Leader. “In addition, UBC Okanagan researchers – whose work has made headlines nationally and globally – will take a personal, interactive approach to sharing their breadth of knowledge and research in the field of health and aging.”
The first course in the series, Reinventing Aging, is offered on Saturdays from March 14 to May 2. It explores avenues of successful aging through the lens of family history, the world of work, new roles and relationships, new technologies, health and fitness, media messages, and the importance of lifelong learning.
There are also three workshops planned: Pursuing Happiness: The Science of Well Being, The Key to Longevity, and The Aging Population: Trouble Ahead?, offered April 4, 18, and 25, respectively.
Presented by renowned UBC psychology researcher Mark Holder, Pursuing Happiness: The Science of Well Being examines the scientific basis of happiness and includes research-based strategies to enhance both personal happiness and the happiness of the people you care about.
The Key to Longevity workshop features information gathered during a series of interviews that were conducted in Europe, where masters of longevity – people from 85 to 100 years of age – live healthy, happy lives.
The final workshop of the Health and Aging Series, The Aging Population: Trouble Ahead?, rethinks the assumptions society has about the aging population and provides alternative ways of thinking about the effect of the aging population on our overall wellbeing.
“The Health and Aging Series is for all adults whom wish to engage in lifelong learning,” says Hoeller. “I encourage everyone to empower themselves today – come out and learn how to live a happier, healthier, longer life.”
For more information on the Health and Aging Series, visit the Community and Continuing Studies website at www.ubc.ca/okanagan/continuingstudies/welcome.html or call Tia-Maria Hoeller at 250-807-8177.
— 30 —
