Retirement will provide time to learn new things, and it is never too late to learn. It could be that you have always wanted to learn another language, how to service your car or creative writing. Learning new things keeps your mind active and this provides you with opportunities to meet new people and gain health benefits.
The Seniors Education Association is facilitated by the Council on the Ageing (WA). It provides a forum for the encouragement, promotion and support of non-formal education opportunities for seniors in Western Australia. For further information call 9321 2133 or go to www.cotawa.asn.au
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The Council on the Ageing (WA) Inc runs accredited and non-accredited computer courses for seniors. The courses can assist you to gain new interests or provide you with new skills that could help you gain new employment or volunteering opportunities. Call 9321 2133 for further information or go to www.cotawa.asn.au
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The Mature Adults Learning Association (MALA) is a voluntary, not-for-profit, self-managed organisation which operates independently of Government or higher education institutions. It gives participants the opportunity of studying topics in-depth. Two semester programs of 10 weeks duration (90 minutes per lecture) are offered every year and charges are kept to a minimum. To receive more information about MALA write to Mature Adults Learning Association, PO Box 1749, West Perth, WA 6872.
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The Positive Ageing Foundation offers a community-based lecture and discussion forum for mature individuals entitled ‘What’s Age Got To Do With It?’ This session provides participants with a peer-to-peer presentation that includes a background on the ageing of the population, insights from current research on ageing, and research-based strategies for long-term maintenance of health and vitality. For more information call 9286 5600 or go to www.positiveageing.com.au
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TAFE colleges provide a range of courses throughout Western Australia. This includes full-time, part-time, short courses and online learning. Fees are charged, but concessions are available for holders of the Pensioner Concession Card, Repatriation Health Benefits Card and the Health Care Card. For further information call 1300 300 822 or go to www.tafe.wa.gov.au
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There are more than 100 Telecentres located throughout regional Western Australia. These facilities provide communities with a range of information, training and services and they are equipped with computers that provide Internet and email access, scanners, printers, photocopiers, two-way videoconferencing and Westlink satellite information and training service. Telecentres sometimes offer informal and formal short courses for specific target groups, including seniors, and provide access to online learning opportunities. Telecentres are often located as part of the local library, which is another great source of informal learning. For more information and the location of your nearest Telecentre go to www.telecentres.wa.gov.au
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Western Australian universities offer a wide range of graduate and postgraduate courses. For further information about courses and enrolment requirements contact the universities student information services:
Seniors Card members are eligible for a discount for a range of University of Western Australian community courses.
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U3A is a world-wide self-help educational movement which provides low cost education opportunities for people over 50 years of age, including online courses. Contact the University of the Third Age (UWA) Inc on 6488 1857 or go to www.u3a.extension.uwa.edu.au for further information.
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Open Learning Australia provides access to university study through distance education. Owned by seven Australian universities, their open entry policy allows anyone to register, wherever they live and whatever their education or age. Deferred payment options are available. Further information is available by calling 1300 363 652 or go to www.ola.edu.au
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A wide range of courses are provided at community centres, neighbourhood houses and learning centres. Call Learning Centre Link on 9228 9000 or 1800 818 991 for further information or go to www.learningcentrelink.asn.au for details of your nearest community learning centre.
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