Young at heart: Russian retirees go back to school
Published 24 October, 2007, 05:01
Some of Russia's pensioners are putting their minds in gear to learn new skills at the University of the Third Age in the city of Perm.
The group has an average age of 65, making the pupils older than the teacher. However the pensioners say they are proof that it is never too late to learn. Although many have not sat at a desk for decades they are well-schooled in discipline.
Retirement age in Russia is low – 55 for women and 60 for men – but these students say they still feel active and energetic.
The University of the Third Age gives senior citizens a chance to learn for fun, in a social setting.
“The university helps us to feel involved in society. By developing skills and gaining knowledge we realise that life still goes on and we are part of it,” said one of the students, Evgeny Shalygin.
The school’s teachers are impressed with their students’ thirst for knowledge.
“It is not easy to teach students with such large life experience. But they are all young at heart and eager to learn,” noted Vladimir Skoklo, a law lecturer.
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