Master’s in Creative Writing. https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2023/01/05/89-year-old-graduate-Southern-New-Hampshire-University/1351672948755/
Yes, I've come across these before, people in their 70's, 80's getting their degrees when they've got the time to slowly study subjects that interest them!
I could totally see myself doing something like that in retirement… as long as i could do it for free or SUPER cheap. Gotta keep the mind sharp. My grandma is 98 and would always read and do crossword puzzles. She loves playing yahtzee and can still add those dice up like a boss.
Yes I've got a list of things I want to do in retirement that I hope will stave off cognitive decline: learning additional languages, continuing to exercise and distance run, playing chess, learning an instrument, etc.
I had a list of things to stave off cognitive decline - but dang it... can't remember where I put it. Haven't seen it in years... oh, well...
Valuable prior learning I'd say. Vicki, help Grandma start her portfolio. I'll bet a lady as sharp as she is, could earn one of those Pierpont B.O.G. Associate degrees pretty darn quick, for starters! Then maybe her Bachelor's at UMPI... Better call the Sophia folks ... she'll probably want to try a speed-run!
LOL. What a thought! But, I don’t think she has beyond an 8th grade education. Her parents were Italian immigrants and they definitely had a different worldview. And I don’t think she has ever used a computer.
8th graders are definitely able to do Sophia. Could at least suggest it to her and see if she's interested. Worst that happens is she says no, I don't need it.
I think that would be beyond her interest and ability. Years ago, my mom bought her a CD player. She couldn’t figure out how to use it. After a few failed atempts by my mom, I went over to see if I could help. Luckily it was a top loading CD player. She was putting them in upside down. I told her that when she puts in the CD, if she couldn’t read the label, neither could the CD player. (All her CDs had a nice colorful label on the CD). I can’t imagine having to teach her how to use a computer, the internet, logins, etc. Things are so different now compared to her youth/ young adulthood. She also has never driven a car. In some ways, things are easier now, and it other ways, much more complex. But I do have to add that when she was about 67, she suffered from three brain aneurysms. She recovered far beyond what the doctors told us was possible.
She sounds like a wonderful lady and I'm sure she's well-loved. I'm glad to hear of her excellent recovery, and that she's keeping sharp, interested and enjoying life. You have a real treasure in her, Vicki. Tell her I said she can forget about Sophia, if she likes. With family around to love her, she already has a PhD in happiness.