Explore the world this April with the return of the University of Victoria’s Masterminds lecture series.
Presented by the UVic Retirees Association and the Centre on Aging with support from UVic, the series’ first and last lectures are in the Harry Hickman Lecture Theatre, and the second and third in the Bob Wright Lecture Theatre. Lectures are free, but register at aging@uvic.ca or 250-721-6369.
April 6 – Building for eternity
One of the mysteries of the ancient world surrounds the massive breakwaters constructed under the reign of King Herod during the years 23 to 10 BC in the now-submerged harbour of Caesarea, on the Mediterranean coast of Palestine. Archaeologist and classics scholar John Peter Oleson discusses the sites of his many underwater excavations where he gathered samples of ancient concrete and one of his most surprising discoveries: that the main ingredient in the Roman concrete that could set in either salt or fresh water was volcanic ash – transported almost 2,000 km by ship from the Bay of Naples, an undertaking of extraordinary magnitude and complexity.
April 13 – When the heart starts thinking
Poetry is an arcane and ancient art. So why do we need it now? Lorna Crozier, professor emerita of UVic’s writing program, shows how the images and music of poetry can explain changing seasons, the loss of love, the meaning of renewal and of growing old without falling into sentimentality or political rhetoric. Bouncing between talk and poetry, she reminds us of the beauty of the everyday in the language of the heart.
April 20 – Gaia citizenship
In response to the ecological crisis, many people now think of themselves as ecological citizens – having civic responsibilities to sustain the ecosystems that sustain life on earth. Political philosopher James Tully discusses the central features of this global movement – often called Gaia citizenship – and the challenges and lessons it provides.
April 27 – Working with First Nations elders and caregivers to reduce falls, fires and injuries
The rate of fall injuries among older adults in B.C. First Nations communities is almost twice that of non-First Nations older adults. Little is known about the factors that contribute to this significant difference, or of appropriate prevention strategies.
Elaine Gallagher, former director of UVic’s Centre on Aging and nursing professor emerita, describes her experience as part of a new three-year project through the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility with the First Nations Health Authority to adapt an existing fall and fire prevention program specifically for First Nations communities.
Co-presenting is Vicky Scott, project lead and clinical associate professor at UBC’s School of Population and Public Health.
Learn more at uvic.ca/masterminds.