Record numbers of Swedish retirees are enrolling in a university run “by pensioners for pensioners”, according to a story in the Guardian.
Senioruniversitet, a national university for older people, has some 30 independent branches around the country and they run study circles, lecture series and university courses on a range of subjects.
Inga Sanner, chair of Senioruniversitetet in Stockholm, said membership nationally was at an all-time high. “We had a dip during the pandemic, of course, but we have come up again to the same number and increased even more. Our membership is the highest ever.”
In 2023 there were 2,099 events held across Sweden attended by 161,932 participants, and this year, the number is projected to increase to 177,024 participants across 2,391 events.
There is a wider societal role that Senioruniversitetet plays, according to the article, and that is to support the wellbeing of its members, their sense of purpose, and the chance to engage with other people, all of which has a positive knock-on to their families and friends.
“It is to do with democracy issues and education. Senior citizens don’t live in a vacuum.” says Inga Sanner. “You are an example. Not just sitting rocking in a rocking chair, but you are out and want to learn more. Then you can share that with your grandchildren and children.”