The report of the PASCAL-PIMA SIG on learning in later life [2] suggested the value of a four stage approach to learning in the lifecycle with the Third Age (51-75) and Fourth Stage (75+) covering the subject of learning in later life. While there is a growing experience and research bass on Third Age learning, less is available on the difficult Fourth Age when illnesses such as dementia are becoming more prevalent. Much would be gained by exchanges on good practice models to learning and well-being in the Fourth Stage of the lifecycle.
An example is provided by innovations in nostalgia therapy to reduce the symptoms and slow the impact of dementia for older people. A very good example of nostalgia therapy delivered through radio broadcasting is provided by a program called Silver Memories [3] devised and delivered by a Brisbane FM broadcaster, 4MBS Classic FM 103.7. The Silver Memories program plays nostalgic music from the 1940s and 1950s that serves as nostalgia therapy. It is used in conjunction with other daily specific activities in aged care facilities.
The value of this program has been shown in a research evaluation of the program undertaken by the Australian Department of Health. The evaluation Study showed improvements in well-being that were greatest for quality of life, depression and physical nonaggression, “with large effect sizes likely to be clinically significant.” The improvements in quality of life and physical nonaggression and verbal agitation were immediate from three months and showed continuous improvement over the 12months of the study.
The Silver Memories program is at present delivered by satellite transmission. There would be much value in exchanges on fourth age learning and well-being on similar programs that use nostalgia therapy, particularly where these are linked in innovative approaches to learning in the fourth age.