The New Fountain of Youth: Lifelong Learning | Ingrid Bianca Byerly | TEDxStGeorgeSalon

Summary

The speaker extols the virtues of lifelong learning, sharing experiences from teaching on a global study abroad ship where students and retirees alike engage in continuous education. Highlighting the parallels between college and retirement as pivotal moments for self-reflection, the talk emphasizes the importance of personal fulfillment and enriching one's mind beyond traditional career pursuits. The speaker encourages embracing the 'third act' of life as an opportunity for adventure, growth, and the pursuit of passions, challenging the stigma of aging and advocating for a societal shift towards valuing the contributions of the elderly.

Takeaways

• 📚 The purpose of a great education is to enrich the mind and make it a pleasant place for leisure, transcending the mere goal of securing employment.
• 🌏 The speaker had the privilege of teaching on a unique floating campus, a ship that sails around the world with students and lifelong learners.
• 👵 Lifelong learners, often retirees, are audacious, curious, and contribute significantly to the learning environment by demonstrating the joy of continuous learning.
• 🎓 The importance of community in learning is highlighted, showing that learning together, regardless of age, keeps the mind alive and relationships healthy.
• 🤔 Both college and retirement are pivotal moments to reflect on life's purpose, with the former focusing on career and the latter on personal fulfillment.
• 🏆 Life should be divided into three acts: youth, career, and retirement, with each having its unique questions and opportunities for growth.
• 🔑 The stigma of aging is challenged by the idea that retirement can be a time of flourishing, not decay, as cognitive abilities can continue to develop with age.
• 🌐 Cultural respect for the elderly varies, with some societies valuing their wisdom and experience, and others neglecting their potential contributions.
• 🎓🏃 Retirees are pursuing degrees, taking art classes, learning musical instruments, and engaging in physical activities, showing that retirement is a time for personal growth and fulfillment.
• 📚🌳 The proverb about planting trees is extended to investing in people for life fulfillment, not just for a return on investment, emphasizing the value of lifelong learning.
• 🥇 The third act of life, retirement, can be the 'gold medal' of one's life, a time for the greatest adventure and personal achievement.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a great education according to Sidney Harris?

Sidney Harris believes that the purpose of a great education is to make your mind a pleasant place in which to spend your leisure time, emphasizing the enrichment of the mind beyond just getting a job.

What is unique about the study abroad program mentioned in the script?

The unique aspect of the study abroad program is that it takes place on a floating campus—a ship that sails around the world with about 500 undergraduate students and a group of lifelong learners, most of whom are in retirement.

Why are the lifelong learners on the ship significant to the author?

The lifelong learners are significant because they demonstrate the art of seizing the day through lifelong learning, teaching students that learning is a community activity that can keep one's mind alive and personal relationships healthy, regardless of age.

What is the connection between college and retirement as described in the script?

Both college and retirement are stages in life where individuals ask themselves what they will do with the rest of their lives. In college, it's about career and paychecks, while in retirement, it's about personal fulfillment and enrichment.

How does the author view the traditional three stages of life?

The author views the traditional three stages of life as youth (first act), career (second act), and retirement (third act). They argue against the notion that retirement should be a time of decay and instead advocate for it being a time of purpose and fulfillment.

What is the stigma associated with aging in many cultures?

The stigma associated with aging in many cultures is the perception that the elderly have served their purpose and are no longer valuable contributors to society, often due to a lack of respect for their learning capabilities.

Why is it important to recognize and nurture the abilities of both schoolchildren and the elderly?

Recognizing and nurturing abilities is important because it allows individuals to thrive, regardless of age. If abilities are ignored or neglected, individuals may falter, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of decline.

How do some cultures show respect for the elderly?

Some cultures, such as those in Sweden, Finland, Vietnam, and South Korea, show respect for the elderly by setting up social programs that celebrate them and provide opportunities for fulfilling activities, such as playgrounds and learning opportunities.

What does cognitive psychology research suggest about the aging brain?

Cognitive psychology research suggests that the brain can become more agile as one gets older, thanks to the constant building on the neural networks of cognitive experiences and knowledge.

What activities are retirees engaging in to make their third act fulfilling, according to the script?

Retirees are engaging in activities such as finishing degrees, taking art classes, learning musical instruments, running marathons, climbing mountains, and writing memoirs to make their third act fulfilling.

What is the author's view on lifelong learners and their role in society?

The author views lifelong learners as the coolest people on the planet because they have learned how to make their third act of life the greatest adventure, contributing positively to society and setting an example for others.