Lifelong learning

Seniors are now mixing up the university campus in Krems

The campus of Krems University of Applied Sciences has been populated by 26 new students since this week. The "SeniorInnenUni" course focuses on voluntary work.

Getting a taste of university at 55+! This is exactly what the participants of the new "SeniorInnenUni" course, which started this week at IMC FH Krems, are allowed to do. Senior citizens from all parts of the country - from the St. Pölten district to Zwettl and Neunkirchen - are taking the opportunity to acquire knowledge in areas such as health, IT, digitalization, law and personality training. The main focus is on voluntary commitment, which is to be implemented in project work.

Even in old age, you shouldn't rest on your laurels, emphasizes project manager Sabine Steinkellner: "Curiosity keeps people young and fit. And especially in old age, many people have time to get more involved in voluntary work. This is a great way for some people to escape loneliness in old age." The initial uncertainty quickly disappeared after the first week and they are already really blossoming in this new phase of their lives, says Steinkellner happily.

Senior citizens get a taste of university life
The students are certainly highly motivated. Among them is Karl Haas (64) from Krems. The "quota man" of the course has never experienced university life before: "I admit I was excited. The situation is completely new to me. In the first few days, we were presented with many different perspectives on topics on which I previously had a firm opinion," says the retired entrepreneur about broadening his horizons.

It's nice to be among so many young students in the canteen or in the coffee house. You get carried away and feel a little young again.

Jutta Angerer aus Rohrendorf, Bezirk Krems

Jutta Angerer from the Krems district has also only known student life from her daughter. She is delighted to be part of this year's "SeniorInnenUni": "It's great that I can experience this now too!" The 65-year-old was even able to convince three friends to take part in the course.

Helga Kamenicky (63), a retired special education teacher from Krems, is more or less celebrating a comeback. She previously attended Danube University and would like to continue her development here. So it's all the better that the vacation planning fits in well with the modules!

I've always known that when I finish my professional life, I definitely want to do a degree. I am very grateful to have been offered a place here.

Helene Winkler aus Weißenkirchen, Bezirk Krems

Helene Winkler (63) from Wachau can't wait for the next unit day: "I'm enjoying it here. It's also nice to see that we've all become friends after the first module!"