Education and tech entrepreneur Frances Valintine’s new venture for those aged 60+
You’re never too old to learn something new.
A lively learning community for older New Zealanders launches this week, focused on bringing insightful discussions, expert speakers and opportunities for connection to those with active minds and a sense of curiosity.
Love Heart is an innovative social enterprise founded by two education leaders who deeply understand the importance of human connection in a tech-first world. Educationalist and entrepreneur Frances Valintine CNZM and Fee Webby, who spent ten years running The Mind Lab, have come together again to co-found the venture, which launches in Hawke’s Bay next month, before expanding to Auckland in June.
From six-week courses across a range of topics to “learning lunches” to one-day adventures, Love Heart aims to enrich minds and lives, driving discussion and fostering friendships within a primary cohort of over-60s.
Frances says it’s 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,” begins the founder of Auckland’s academyEX. “Yet, 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.”
Love Heart offers three streams of activity that promise to keep minds engaged in learning and new ideas, while connecting with others. Six-week Learning Courses cover topics ranging from the impact of technology to the culinary arts. Learning Lunches are short and sharp educational experiences, accompanied by a delicious food. Learning Adventures offer hands-on encounters across New Zealand, combining a sense of discovery with interesting locations or unexpected venues. The variety of topics and duration have been curated to appeal to active retirees and semi-retired professionals who have a little more time in their careers to pick up new interests.
Fee 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.”
Fee also notes that an active mind and connecting with other people in real time are two of the most protective factors against the detrimental effects of aging - things like cognitive decline and stable mental health. “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.”
Love Heart offers 15 topics for learning and exploration include Technological Impact, History, Creative Arts, Sports, The Human Mind, Scientific Advances, The Natural World, Culinary Experiences, Stories from around the World, Society and Us, The World of Music, Flora and Fauna, The Built World, Culture & Human Behaviour and The Need for Speed (which covers all things aeronautical and automotive).
Experts in each area share their lived experience, insights, and deep knowledge on their topics, and many of the planned sessions include hands-on elements. “We’re enormously proud of the subject matter experts and academics we’ve attracted to our programme,” says Fee, adding that expressions of interest are still welcomed by Love Heart for future opportunities to speak and share.
Operating as a social enterprise, Frances says Love Heart will reinvest profits back into supporting access to those over 60 who don’t have the financial means to participate. She says launching a new high-impact education initiative is a huge thrill for her and Fee, and she can’t wait to hear initial feedback from phase one learners.
“We hope people will come out of a Love Heart course, lunch or learning adventure and tell their family ‘Not only did I learn something fascinating, I also made a new friend.’”
Registrations for a Learning Course, Learning Lunch or Learning Adventure are now open at www.heart.co.nz
