Ageing Well Award Winner

Nominated by: Addysg Oedolion Cymru | Adult Learning Wales
Sponsored by: The Open University in Wales

At the age of 81, Jan Wallace, keeps herself mentally fit thanks to her love of learning. Others her age may want a quiet life, but Jan’s enthusiasm has impressed her tutors with her capacity to take on new knowledge.

After retiring from teaching, Jan worked locally in retail, finally retiring eight years ago. She enjoys challenging herself, learning new things and keeping her mind active. Jan has joined clubs and local groups, which help contribute to making friends and social interaction, and she enjoys the exchange of ideas.

“I have taken opportunities over the years to widen my knowledge of history, my special interest. Learning new things makes me feel positive and helps to reduce the stresses of everyday life,” said Jan.

She explains, “I have taken advantage of online courses, but I much prefer to attend classes with a tutor who directs the learning process. This provides not only an opportunity to learn from an expert but also enables questions to be asked by the entire class and contributes to hearing different opinions.”

Jan also engages with local history societies and volunteers at Cardigan Castle, where she enjoys explaining the history of the castle to visitors, using humour to assist their understanding that history is not just about buildings, but about the people and their way of life.

Ralph Haeussler, Tutor in Archaeology and History at Addysg Oedolion Cymru | Adult Learning Wales said “Since the very first time I met Jan, I was impressed by her enthusiasm, her knowledge, and her critical engagement. Whatever the material or historical period, Jan demonstrates an ever-increasing knowledge and expertise as well as the capacity for critical thinking.”