What our students are saying

My long and circuitous journey to the Master of Ageing

My journey to the Master of Ageing online course at the University has been a long and circuitous one, taking in almost 30 years of Food Manufacturing experience across the globe, public sector research and development management, and most recently Business Volunteer Advisor assignments within the Asia-Pacific region. Out of that mish-mash of learning and curiosity I have come to be really interested in the intersections of health, cultural variances, nutrition, and leadership. I also happen to be attempting to understand and live out an “active ageing” lifestyle. It was through personal research on active ageing that I came upon the course guide for the Master of Ageing. As I have not studied formally for a long, long time the University team kindly agreed to my re-initiating study via the Specialist Certificate in Ageing route which consists of two subjects of your choice offered within the Masters course structure. I have recently completed both the Ethics of Ageing and Global Population Ageing modules and am now a proud recipient of my shiny new Certificate award!

Restarting University learning activities after such a long time is difficult. The learning curve is extremely steep, but I have found the process stimulating and invigorating. The subject matter has been clear, well presented, and engaging. Global Population Ageing provides for a wonderful overview of the current situation in the sector and the challenges and opportunities across widely differing countries. The Ethics course allowed me to work with a long- time friend as an Elder Advisor – seeing and listening to her opinions and lived experiences from a new perspective. The ethical problems posed throughout the course were a talking point for my family and friends and the regular discussions / arguments / understandings are now missed – I need more.

I have taken to looking forward to viewing the Discussion Board commentary of my fellow pupils and colleagues. I value this platform as it allows the interaction between students that is vital to feel connected and participatory within an online course. I am still a little hesitant to comment but am becoming more open with time.

I have now commenced two more subjects – Body of Ageing and Leadership for an Ageing Workforce. I wanted to face up to a “health” subject sooner rather than later as I have no experience or knowledge in this field and I accept I will have to face my innumerable failings as a leader but will, I am sure, learn where I fell down and how to improve.

I have no real, concrete plan as to where the Master of Ageing course will take me right now, but I am confident that opportunities will become available as I learn more about this fascinating area and identify how and where I could contribute.

[Source: Bob Fleming, Master of Ageing student, The University of Melbourne]