Do you know the Seniors University? As an active participant in Seniors@Work, I'm sure you'll say "of course!"

I recently browsed the Senior Citizens' University website and took a look at the topics planned for the period from October 2020 to early summer 2021. And yes, I admit it honestly, I had to smile: a large proportion of the guest lectures relate to health topics. Spine / psychotherapy / microbes / egg to embryo / emergencies / memory loss / Parkinson's and a few other health-related topics are listed. Of course there are also the other lectures, those on inheritance law, on the cosmos, on the emancipation of women, on globalization, music and machines and many more. But I have it on good authority that the health lectures - if they take place in the university lecture hall - are extremely well attended. Men and women have to leave early if they want a seat.

Why are we so concerned about health? Especially in old age?

I admit it: when I was young or younger, I only spent a few minutes thinking about my health. There was too much else going on in my life. But the older I get, the more the little ailments come to the fore here and there, and with them diffuse fears. I actively think about what to do next and consider whether I will even live to see major projects planned by a city like Basel. I've been the eldest in my family since 2005. My parents and brother have all died. I think about our living situation and how we can best remain independent for a long time to come: what do we need to put in place - especially now, while we're still alive and well? Will I still be able to be there when our youngest grandchild learns a profession, celebrates a wedding, perhaps promotes me to great-grandmother?

Dealing with all of this somehow pragmatically and not allowing yourself to be dragged into a sinking mood is a challenge. And in my opinion, this is precisely why the Seniors@Work idea is worth its weight in gold. Seniors@Work has set itself the goal of utilizing the potential of senior citizens. This potential includes professional skills, but certainly also experience of life in general, which should not be underestimated. Those with years under their belt are not calcified per se, but have the perspective of decades. And new situations are reflected in this perspective and take on a new dimension.

In short, there is no better way to combat old age than to get involved. Against the ailments! Against vague fears! And for a clear view and a lot of joy.

Dear reader, I wish you all the best! Stay healthy! And maybe we'll see you at the Seniors' University?

And by the way, no one should come and tell me that senior citizens are not adaptable! The Senior Citizens' University works in Corona times via Zoom! Like so many other things. And "we old people" are at the forefront of digitalization! That's right!

Beatrice Isler