“We have normalized the presence of older people in the classroom”

During the inauguration, the rector, Joan Guàrdia, stated that "we have managed to normalize the presence of older people in the classroom". He stressed that university studies are now an option for older people, and that this corresponds to "a huge change in terms of quality of life". Carles Buenacasa, director of the University of Experience and lecturer at the UB's Faculty of Geography and History, stressed the importance of the event as a tribute to the senior students: "Commemorating this day is our way of recognizing the group of senior students who have faithfully followed us for fifteen years". Pilar Delgado, Vice-Rector for Academic Policy, presented the programme of this session, which aimed to promote a positive reflection on ageing. It featured conferences and round tables on topics such as mental health in old age, the social participation of seniors and their integration into the university community.

Victoria Morín, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, gave the opening lecture. In her speech, she explained the lifestyles that favour healthy ageing, stressing the importance of physical activity, active leisure, rest, healthy eating, interpersonal relationships and relationships with the environment, as well as developing the spiritual side of the human being.

New academic year of the University of Experience

The academic offer of the University of Experience has undergone notable growth this academic year, with the incorporation of new scientific proposals and the consolidation of the cross-cutting science and multidisciplinary programmes. Buenacasa emphasized that the University of Experience began fifteen years ago with only four programmes, and now offers fifteen, as well as fifty seminars. This expansion makes it possible to cover a wider range of interests and needs of senior students, and he added that they "have reinforced the offer in the scientific field, in which there was a very high demand". "Senior students come with a genuine thirst for knowledge, for the sheer pleasure of learning. This generates very interesting debates and interactions in the classroom", said Buenacasa, who also stressed that this group brings many perspectives based on their life experience.

The University of Experience, with the support of the Rector's Office and the Office of the Vice-Rector for Academic Policy, aims to continue working to improve and expand the training offer and respond to the growing demands of this group.