Aging & Social Change: Ninth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

As global aging and health challenges mount, this study brings hope and evidence of best practices affirmed by the U.S. Congress as a model learning community on a college campus for fostering resilience and neuroplasticity following a spectrum of adult onset diagnosis including: Stroke, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury, Aphasia, Orthopedic/Neurological diagnosis. In its forty-fifth year, the Cabrillo College Stroke and Disability Learning Center is a uniquely successful active, engaging learning environment, which incorporates a spectrum of creative classes for adults in conjunction with a learning lab for allied health students. Participants become college students, rather than patients, in this affirming, engaging environment, as skills, friendships and learning help them to find new community amid major life changes. The additional benefit of ongoing inter-generational teaching between participants and students learning to become health care providers provides an additional layer of inspiration and affirmation as those involved constantly learn new skills and develop their capabilities to live more fully amid health and social changes.