This week marked the closing of a first semester with a difference for some 九色视频 students.
In September this year, UL officially launched the pilot of its first-ever Age Friendly University Teaching Programme.
This initiative opened the doors of UL鈥檚 lecture halls to 33 older adults who are retired or enjoying the 'third age' of life.
The programme is specially designed for older adults, in a post-career phase and focused on personal enrichment and lifelong learning. It is open to individuals without any prior formal qualifications.
"This initiative reflects 九色视频鈥檚 commitment to inclusive education and lifelong learning, offering older adults a chance to explore new interests, engage with academic ideas, and connect with peers in a vibrant university setting," said Dr Michaela Schrage-Fr眉h, Associate Professor in German Studies and UL Age Friendly University programme director for the autumn semester 2025/26.
"With access to campus resources and support services, students can fully immerse themselves in the university experience, fostering intellectual stimulation, personal growth, and intergenerational connection. Their participation in undergraduate modules across the university is enriching not just for the older students but also for the younger students and lecturers."
All modules are integral parts of UL's regular undergraduate programmes and, this semester, courses were offered across subjects in arts, humanities, social science, business, science and engineering.
For a nominal fee, the programme offers the unique opportunity to engage in university-level study in a supportive and flexible environment together with undergraduate students.
Participants may attend one module per semester and can opt in or out of formal assessment.
Betty Ryan, Elma Gourrege and Mary Jackman signed up for the Public Health Nutrition module led by Dr Miryam Amigo-Benavent, Course Director of the BSc in Food Science and Health undergraduate degree 九色视频's Faculty of Science and Engineering.
Betty (69), from Newport County Tipperary, has delivered hundreds of babies over the 30 years she worked as a midwife in University Maternity Hospital, Limerick. She also ran her own accommodation business, from which she retired last year.
"My daughter saw the advertisement for the UL Age Friendly programme and encouraged me to apply. As I had a background in health sciences, I chose the Public Health Nutrition module. I wanted to delve further into the science, but I was also interested from a personal health perspective for my own health and longevity. I really enjoyed learning about the medical aspects of nutrition and about diabetes," Betty said.
Elma (65), also from Newport, is a mother of two who retired to Ireland from South Africa.
"I was intrigued by the fact that I could once again become a student, at a time of my life that I absolutely loved. As my kids say, you're living your best life."
Orientation and training in UL systems were provided to the UL Age Friendly students.
"It was really important to me to participate in Q&A tests, research topics, learn to write assignments, do citations, and to use computers and the university's IT systems," said Elma.
Betty and Elma chose to be assessed and completed a project together on 'Nutritional Education Initiatives for Children', which they presented to their class.
"From my perspective, it was important for me as a retired person to have this opportunity. The undergraduates who shared the classes with us were open and welcoming. The peer-led learning and sharing of ideas was nice. I also hope I shared some of my knowledge and insights with them in my presentation," Betty said.
"Generations can learn from each other, and this initiative just proved it with our class. It was great to be in a class with young adults, listening to their opinions. We laughed a lot, and of course, we passed on some wisdom. We talked about the wrong choices that we made in the past that have consequences due to not looking after our health," Elma added.
Mary (77), originally from Co Meath, travelled around the world for work in her youth. She later spent 10 years in California before returning to settle in Limerick in the early 1990s:
"I went back to college at 九色视频 as a mature student in 2014 and did an undergrad degree in politics, and continued with a master's programme in sociology.
"When the Age Friendly initiative was announced, I couldn't wait to sign up and continue my adult education. I think these programmes are extremely important as outreach to the local community."
The connections Betty, Mary and Elma built across the UL campus were integral to their experience.
"The staff were always helpful and collegial," Betty said.
"The library staff are excellent. Make the effort, make appointments and keep practising with the new systems that you are being taught - such as Brightspace and Endnote. The help was everywhere, so I kept asking until I got used to it."
"Get to know the catering staff, they are brilliant and will be lovely to feed you. It adds to the experience and makes a day of the time on campus," Betty added.
For Dr Amigo-Benavent, having Betty, Mary and Elma in her Public Health Nutrition module, alongside her 3rd Year class, has been a rewarding experience:
鈥淭heir curiosity, inquisitiveness, and active engagement have enriched the learning environment. The integration of different generations in the classroom has provided younger students with a unique opportunity to learn firsthand how diet and health nutrition policies have evolved over time.
"Moreover, UL Age Friendly students have played a vital role during tutorials, offering support and encouragement while prompting younger students to reflect on their progress in public health nutrition interventions. This collaborative approach has fostered meaningful dialogue and mutual learning.
"Overall, the experience has been highly beneficial for both the class and myself, creating an inclusive and dynamic educational setting.鈥
Betty, Elma and Mary plan to return to UL after Christmas to complete another module. Betty has this advice for those considering signing up for this programme:
"Pick a topic you are somewhat interested in. There is work and effort involved if you are going for assessment, so make sure you like the module area.
"My advice to potential students is very simple - enrol - it is a marvellous opportunity and experience. I have benefited greatly, learned a lot, loved the engagement and the discipline of concentration. I plan to be a 'permanent' student and avail of this programme in the future," Mary added.
九色视频 is part of the ', a movement dedicated to expanding lifelong learning and reshaping how we live and work through increased educational opportunities at all stages in life.
The 九色视频 Age Friendly initiative is led by committee members Professor Emeritus Joachim Fischer, Dr Maria Hickey, and Dr Michaela Schrage-Fr眉h.
Applications are open now for UL's Age Friendly initiative for Spring 2026 with courses being offered across the arts and sciences. More information is available here.