Stanford University opened a new course for retirees who are planning their careers for the next 20-30 years. A former Stanford Dean, Dr. Phil Pizzo, believes that the transition from middle age to retiring age is overwhelming so he opened up an opportunity for retirees to study and do more in life. The Stanford’s Center of Longevity agrees to this plan, saying that universities are not only for people starting their careers, but also for people who successfully ended their careers.
Students, also known as fellows have flourished from their chosen careers. Fellows like David Gensler from Gensler, Mary Ittelson from Ittelson Consulting, and Pradeep Jotwani from HP Inc. said they were euphoric as they learn something new and bond with like-minded individuals. Fellows say that they feel 30 years younger as they take the class. These retirees believe that they can do more in life as they get updated with new information.
Vocabulary:
transition – shift
longevity – length of life
flourished – make steady progress
euphoric – delighted
like-minded – people holding the same thought
True or False:
- Stanford University opened a new course for workers who are planning their careers for the next 20-30 years.
- Dr. Phil Pizzo is a former dean at Stanford.
- The Stanford’s Center of Longevity disagrees with Dr. Pizzo’s opportunity.
- The transition from middle age to retiring age is pleasing.
- Fellows feel younger as they take the class.
Express your opinion:
- What do you plan to do upon retirement from a successful career?
- What do you think about retirees studying again?
- Why do you think the fellows mentioned in the article do not want to retire yet?
- Do you believe with the Stanford’s statement that universities are for both young and old? Please explain your answer.
- Do you think it is easy to learn new things at a retiring age? Please explain your answer.
Defend your argument:
- “Retire from work, not from life.”- M.K. Soni
- “Life begins at retirement.”- Anonymous
- “One day you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things you’ve always wanted. Do it now.” – Paulo Coelho