lifelong learning

5 Questions With Silicon Valley’s Oldest Employee

Barbara Beskind smashes stereotypes every time she goes to work. At 94, she is by far the oldest member of the world-famous, human-centered design team IDEO in Silicon Valley. Some of IDEO’s designs include Apple’s first mouse and the Pilates machine. Many of Beskind’s co-workers are 60 or even 70 years younger, but they’re soaking up her life experiences.

A Homecoming 60 Years in the Making

More than 60 years ago, Barbara Giacino left Syracuse University a few credits shy of her degree in order to get married and raise her family. At 84, she decided she really wanted to finish up her coursework, so she did. This week, she returned to the Central New York campus to, at long last, receive her diploma.

LIFE at UCF: Dispelling Stereotypes of Aging

For 25 years, the Learning Institute for Elders (LIFE) has presented a weekly speaker series at the University of Central Florida. With every weekly presentation, LIFE dispels the stereotype of aging being a time of loss and loneliness. See how it’s changing lives.

Josh Kaufman

The more things you explore, the more likely you’ll be to enjoy life longer. Researcher Josh Kaufman offers proof it’s never too late to learn new skills, take up new hobbies and even master something new. Find out how old dogs CAN learn new tricks.

Betty Lopez

“I want to keep going until I can’t go anymore,” says Betty Lopez, and that’s exactly what she’s doing. Find out why she went back to her colleges in her 80s and graduated — with honors — with a bachelor’s in paralegal studies!

Lifelong Learning Minute: Boomer Bikers

Motorcycles aren’t just for kids — check out who’s under these helmets! Boomer bikers are dominating the cycle scene and taking a wild ride through life.

Lifelong Learning Minute: Otronicon

Otronicon is an interactive technology expo that features video games to demonstrate the future of living, learning, working and playing — at all ages!

Lifelong Learning Minute: Brooks Johnson

Brooks Johnson is a 76-year-old Hall of Fame track coach who has coached an athlete at every Olympics since 1968

Lifelong Learning Minute: Wayne Gratz

He’s written music for NBC sports, artist Thomas Kinkade and for a 3-year-old victim of child abuse. Wayne Gratz’s music has been described as sonic soup for the soul.

Lifelong Learning Minute: Heather Quillen

At nearly 300 pounds, Heather Quillen knew she needed to make a drastic change. And did she ever! Her new outlook on life ignited a passion to help others.