Love Heart: Over 60s learning experience launches in Hawke’s Bay

Frances Valintine and Hawke's Bay-based Fee Webby, whose Love Heart Social Learning courses for the over 60s start on May 7.

A new era of over 60s learning is being promised in a new programme set to be launched in Hawke’s Bay next month.

The Love Heart Social Learning promotes courses and lunches, starting with a six-week Technological Impact course starting in Hawke’s Bay on May 7, expanding into Auckland with a six-week Society and Us course starting on June 4.

Love Heart is a social enterprise founded by Hawke’s Bay-based Fee Webby, who spent 10 years running private Auckland training establishment The Mind Lab, and Auckland tech educationalist and entrepreneur Frances Valintine CNZM.

It offers three streams of activity that promise to keep minds engaged in learning and new ideas, the courses covering topics ranging from the impact of technology to “culinary arts”.

Webby says her background in education and technology has taught her that while online learning has become a mainstay in education, it can’t replicate the experience of face-to-face connection.

“Learners love a hands-on environment, collaboration with one another, and having robust discussions together – which is very different from having someone speaking at you via a video link,” she says.

“There has been a 34% increase in the number of people aged over 60 in the past decade, and within a few short years, New Zealand will have more people over 65 than under 20.

“Keeping the brain engaged and finding joy in human connection are critical in maintaining wellness as we grow older.”

Valintine says that the over-60s had been an “underserved demographic” for too long.

“I truly believe that as the world becomes more complex and less predictable, learning and community are the two things that support confidence and strength at all ages.

“There’s an assumption that over-60s are slowing down when, actually, many are looking towards their best years.

“New Zealand’s older population is increasingly interested in intellectual discussion, new experiences and would love an opportunity to foster new friendships at the same time.”