Staying mentally active and engaged is one of the most effective ways to support cognitive health as we age. Simple steps and routines, such as learning something new or engaging in meaningful conversations, can have a big impact when it comes to keeping the brain stimulated and strengthening memory. The Gatesworth understands this and strives to find innovative ways to support lifelong learning for its residents. One example is the senior living community’s History of Ideas classes. Taught by resident Larry May, Ph.D., it offers the opportunity for curiosity, reflection and connection.
May understands the benefits of keeping mentally stimulated. He taught as a professor for more than 50 years, spending another six working with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Washington University. History of Ideas is the first collegiate level class to be offered at The Gatesworth, and it’s been a tremendous success. “When we moved to The Gatesworth, I wanted to continue to teach,” May says. “I had no idea what a terrific response the class would have—45 to 50 residents at each of the 25 classes over the last six months.”
History of Ideas offers a unique opportunity for Gatesworth residents. The course allows them to engage with new ideas, while May can use his expertise to facilitate in-depth thought and learning. “My main job is to pose questions and puzzles—ones that often I don’t have answers to,” he explains. “This is a form of Socratic teaching, not the kind of ‘hide-the-ball’ lectures that are less challenging. We spend time thinking about quotations from the 2,500-year history of moral, legal and political thought, and most of the material is new to the students. They seem especially to like learning about ideas and thinkers they have not heard of before.”
The structure of History of Ideas is unique from other academic lectures offered at The Gatesworth. Since it functions like a college class, it offers a regular routine and lessons can build upon one another. This offers the opportunity for peers to make deeper intellectual connections. “The stand-alone lectures offered are very good, but I thought people would like the continuity of a class,” May explains. “The format keeps me and the students sharp and engaged. Often after class, in the hallways or at meals, folks come up to me and continue discussions we were having. This is great for myself as well as my fellow residents.”
May notes that the cognitive benefits of continuing to learn later in life are well documented, supported by research and have been reported on in publications like The New York Times. He is grateful for the challenges and opportunities for connection that teaching History of Ideas at The Gatesworth has offered him. “These are the most challenging classes I have ever taught,” he says. “The residents have no other reason to be in class other than a hunger for intellectual stimulation. And believe me, they also stimulate me in ways undergrads and even grad students did not.”
Located at One McKnight Place, The Gatesworth offers residents a wide variety of innovative services and amenities so they can live life to the fullest. Pictured on the cover: Resident Larry May, Ph.D. For more information, call 314.907.0678 or visit thegatesworth.com.
Cover design courtesy of The Gatesworth
Cover photo by Gregg Goldman Photography
Pictured at the top: Resident Larry May, Ph.D.
Photo: Gregg Goldman Photography
