KEEPING FIT

If you have a keyboard, the world’s universities are yours for free. JO CRANSTOUN meets a retiree who has discovered that learning is a never-ending journey.

Diana Hassett has a curious mind. Students need to take an exam only if benefit, not only increasing her knowledge Her need to know more and the they wish to obtain a certificate. Some and expanding her conversation topics, but sheer joy of learning has driven her courses have non-graded quizzes at the also keeping her brain active. to complete 41 online study courses. end of each section to test understanding. And while she is studying in her home

When Diana retired, she began to Diana’s first edX online course in 2014 office, her husband Gordon is enjoying the wonder how she would fill her days – and was criminology through the University of challenge of learning languages to support then she discovered edX, a reputable Queensland. their travels. online education platform established by “I really loved the criminology topic “We were in China this time last year Harvard University and the Massachusetts and that’s what got me hooked,’’ she says. “I and this year was supposed to be another Institute of Technology. just pick the topics I am interested in.” chance to travel but the Covid restrictions

It offers more than 2500 online courses Diana’s 40 topics since then have halted everything,” she says. from international universities, including included an introduction to psychology, They were supposed to be leaving this Australian institutions. tropical coastal ecosystems, environmental month for Venice, Croatia, the Adriatic

Diana spends an average of two to protection and sustainability, Coast and Portugal. three hours each week day studying. The anthropology, justice, and oriental beliefs. “We have travelled to lots of places length of courses she chooses varies from “It is so interesting to find out things where I probably wouldn’t go now,” she five weeks to 15. that you don’t know anything about,’’ she says. “It’s good we travelled while we could

She is currently studying epidemics All that’s needed to begin studying says. “It’s amazing what you can learn. I but I think in future we might be limiting through the University of Hong Kong, an online is basic computer skills, an internet found it a bit of a disadvantage at first ourselves more to Australia, New Zealand interest sparked by the Covid-19 pandemic. connection and a wish to know more. because I didn’t study science in secondary and all the places in Queensland we

“I have to be doing something. I found I “I have only basic computer skills but school but now I have an interest in haven’t yet been.” needed structure in my day when I was no it’s enough to do what I do,’’ she says. “It’s so science and research.” So where will Diana’s quest for longer going to work. It’s great to wake up easy. You don’t need to go to the library. Diana has developed a fascination with knowledge and her keyboard take her with a purpose,’’ Diana says. Everything is at your keyboard. And it’s all the topic of climate change and as a next? The current Covid climate has her

With a varied background including free unless you want to get a certificate.” diabetic undertook a study course into the intrigued. education and working as a marriage When people say they wouldn’t be able condition through WA’s Curtin University. “This week we’ve been looking at celebrant, Diana, 71, admits she is often the to do it, Diana tells them they shouldn’t be “My interests change,” she says. “I’ve different epidemics each day, including most senior student in the online courses. put off by the fact it’s a university course. also started looking at ageing and bird flu and where it came from. I’m

“But I love it,” she says. “I can be there “If you can read you can do it,” she says. nutrition; ageing and mobility, and ageing already considering signing up for parts online and get into a discussion with “The depth you need to go into varies from and the brain.” two and three of epidemics. I just want to someone in Tel Aviv in Israel.” uni to uni.” Diana finds online learning is a huge know more,” she says.

LIVE THE LIFESTYLE YOU’VE DREAMED OF WHEN YOU RETIRE

A well-planned strategy for your retirement should see you retire comfortably, allowing you to focus on your lifestyle – not on your finances.

Retirement structuring – Correctly structuring your pension drawings can significantly improve your retirement lifestyle. Pension longevity – Having the right investments backing your superannuation pension can make a difference, helping ensure your funds can last. Government benefits – Ensuring you receive your correct entitlement can lead to a more comfortable retirement.