The session began with a brief welcome from the rector of UIC Barcelona, Dr Xavier Gil. The Rector explained the University’s commitment to this new form of instruction and encouraged attendees to seize the opportunity provided by the new Campus to “enjoy the pleasure of meeting and making new friends”.
The floor was then handed to Dr Pilar Escuder-Mollón, coordinator of the Senior Citizens’ University at Jaume I University. Her talk focused on education and quality of life. The speaker gave an overview of the current demographic breakdown and provided information to better understand the profile of older people and how this collective has evolved over time. This data shed light on the importance of active ageing and how the university can help in this process. In this regard, Dr Escuder-Mollón discussed her own experience as head of the Senior Citizens’ University, a project which began 20 years ago with around forty students and has now benefited 2,937 senior students. The speaker finished by encouraging attendees to take part in the new Campus which is just now beginning. “The university will help you adapt to change. Going to class will make life better”, she remarked.
The event concluded with the round table discussion “Keep Participating: A New Challenge for a New Stage”. Participants included Leopoldo Abadía, professor, writer and lecturer; Victòria Cardona, writer and family counsellor; and Josep Maria Pujol Artigas, a businessman from the automotive industry. The speakers discussed their life journey, both in terms of their contact with the classroom and their professional career. All three agreed that the new programme is ideal for senior students and urged attendees not to miss out on the opportunity to form part of this new project.
The classes available as part of the Experience Campus’ introductory module will begin on 25 April. Registration is now open. For more information, please visit the website.
