Never too old to learn new tricks

Residents at Ashbourne Lodge Rest home, on Seventh Avenue, Blackpool, are taking part in maths and English classes provided by lecturers from Blackpool and The Fylde College.

Ashbourne Lodge manager Daniella Pollard said: “Studies show keeping the brain active can help those living with dementia.

“There’s a small group aged from 55 to 95-years-old, so it’s a big age range. The eldest gentleman in our group does have dementia and it’s getting him thinking. We sit with him and ask him questions and he answers the questions, so I do think it’s helping.”

The students will take their final tests when classes come to an end in June. They will qualify for a Blackpool and The Fylde College maths and English award.

Nina Garwood, English lecturer at Blackpool and The Fylde College, who is teaching the courses, said: “You’re never too old to learn and the students have impressed me.

“I’m in each week and they absolutely love it. They have written lots of things. They love doing their homework each week and giving it in to me. They have been making really good progress. Doing these activities helps keep their neurons firing.

“It makes all the difference in the world to them.”

Amanda O’Donnell, also of Blackpool and The Fylde College, said: “It’s good to see that people are looking forward to engaging in learning activities and keeping themselves as mentally stimulated as possible.”