USU offers new class for senior citizens
If students have noticed more senior citizens on campus on Wednesday afternoons, there is a reason: USU has a new class designed just for them.
Melissa Nuntapreda, a junior studying nutrition science, said she helped organize the class along with Service Learning Scholar adviser Robert Schmidt.
Nuntapreda said seniors come in the summertime and take classes, but they are usually from other states, and during the school year, there aren’t many seniors on campus.
Nuntapreda said it is important for senior citizens to continue to learn throughout their lives.
“If elderly people keep their minds active, it will help prevent diseases, and they have a less chance of getting Alzheimer’s,” she said.
Nuntapreda said so far the seniors seem to really like the classes.
“Every week they say they have been waiting for it since last week,” Nuntapreda said.
One senior citizen, who takes the class but did not want to be named, said, “This is the perfect way to continue learning.”
Nuntapreda said the topics are specified toward subjects that apply to the seniors.
So far the three classes that have been held have studied multiculturalism, identity theft and nutrition.
The senior citizen said, “I like the classes that they have had because they are more equipped for our age group, like identity theft and nutrition, and the mutliculturalism class was so interesting.”
It is also a great way for the seniors to socialize with others of their same age group, she said. The senior, who attends classes with her sister, said she has met new friends through the classes.
Nuntapreda said there are about 25 seniors in the classes right now with room for more.
“Hopefully it will continue to grow after I graduate,” Nuntapreda said.
Nuntapreda said another goal is to incorporate Class Bill Act 60, where senior citizens 62 years or older will be able to audit regular college classes if they are interested.
There is a $10 registration fee once the act goes into effect, which Nuntapreda said is why they charge $10 for the class, so that when seniors start auditing courses, the bill fee has already been paid.
There is a scholarship available for those who cannot afford the fee, Nuntapreda said.
“It will either be paid with funds, or we will figure something else out,” she said.
The seniors are brought to campus every Wednesday for the 1:30 p.m. class by shuttle from the Cache Valley Senior Center, or they can drive themselves if they prefer.
Nuntapreda said she is very grateful for the professors who volunteer to teach the class.
“We are really so grateful to the professors for teaching it,” Nuntapreda said. “I know they are busy, but it is so awesome that they still take the time to give service.”
There are other service programs also offered through USU. Nuntapreda, who is the director of Friends of the Elderly, said they do two service acts per week where they visit centers such as Logan Nursing and Rehabilitation, Williamsburg Retirement and Logan House.
Activities are offered such as bingo, doing hair, playing games and painting nails, Nuntapreda said, and this this year they will be helping the Cache Valley Senior Center with its Christmas party.
Another program Nuntapreda is involved in is Adopt-a-Grandparent, where a senior is visited for at least one hour weekly.
” It’s really fun,” Nuntapreda said. “I have a lot of friends who usually wouldn’t go, but when they do you can tell how happy they are. They tell me that whenever they have a bad day and go visit them it makes their day so much better.”
Nuntapreda said she encourages everybody who is interested to check out all the programs they have available.
“Anybody can come anytime, and you don’t even have to commit any hours,” she said.
Nuntapreda said if anybody wants to get involved in any of the service projects, they can call (801) 712-8253 or send an e-mail tomelissanuntapreda@yahoo.com