Exciting new venture, Love Heart, for people aged 60 plus aims to enrich minds and lives, drive discussion and foster friendships.
You’re never too old to learn something new.
The recent launch of a lively learning community for senior New Zealanders focuses on bringing insightful discussions, expert speakers and opportunities for connection to those with active minds and a sense of curiosity.
Love Heart is an innovative social enterprise founded by two education leaders who deeply understand the importance of human connection in a tech-first world.
Educationalist, and tech entrepreneur, Frances Valintine CNZM and Fee Webby, who was gneral manager of The Mind Lab for ten years, have come together again to co-found the venture, currently in Hawke’s Bay and Auckland.
It offers six-week courses across a range of topics as well as learning lunches and one-day learning adventures.
Frances says the over-60s demographic has been an under-served for too long.
“I believe that as the world becomes more complex and less predictable, learning and community are the two things which support confidence and strength at all ages,” she says.
“There’s an assumption that the over-60s are slowing down when, actually, many are looking towards their best years. New Zealand’s older population is increasingly interested in intellectual discussion and new experiences. They would love an opportunity to foster new friendships at the same time.”
Love Heart offers three streams of activity aimed at keeping minds engaged in learning and new ideas, while connecting with others.
Six-week Learning Courses cover topics ranging from the impact of technology to the culinary arts.
Learning Lunches are short, sharp educational experiences, accompanied by a delicious food. Learning Adventures offer hands-on encounters across NZ, combining a sense of discovery with interesting locations or unexpected venues.
The variety of topics and duration have been curated to appeal to active retirees and semi-retired professionals who have a little more time to pick up new interests.
Fee says her background in education and technology has taught her that while online learning has become a mainstay in education, it can’t replicate the experience of face-to-face connection.
“Learners love a hands-on environment, collaboration with one another, and having robust discussions. This is very different from having someone speaking at you via a video link.”
Fee also notes that an active mind and connecting with other people in real time are two of the most protective factors against the detrimental effects of ageing such as cognitive decline and unstable mental health.
“There has been a 34% increase in the number of people aged over 60 in the past decade, and within a few short years, New Zealand will have more people over 65 than under 20. Keeping the brain engaged and finding joy in human connection are critical in maintaining wellness as we grow older.”
Love Heart offers 15 eclectic topics for learning and exploration across a wide range genres. Operating as a social enterprise, Frances says profits will be reinvested into supporting access to those over 60 who don’t have the financial means to participate.
“We hope people will come out of a Love Heart course, lunch or learning adventure and tell their family: ‘Not only did I learn something fascinating, I also made a new friend.’”
For more information see www.heart.co.nz
