Leadership Links

Embark on a journey of discovery and empowerment in this Masterclass that provides insights into the significant health and wellbeing benefits that come with learning a language in older age - benefits that range from brain stimulation, boosting cognitive reserve, delaying of the onset of dementia to co-creation of learning between care staff and those in care, as well as fostering social, psychological, and physical wellbeing.

The two presenters from the School of Languages and Applied Linguistics at the Open University will not only introduce their research findings about the above benefits for all involved in care settings and explore the role of languages in care; Bärbel and Sylvia will also share details on the significant impact of the social care professional development course Learning Languages with Senior Learners, which they developed in partnership with the Glasgow-based charity Lingo Flamingo.

The session will outline how this non-medical intervention has led to a change of mindset in care settings, where rather than considering age to be a barrier to learning and self-fulfilment, staff and residents discovered the transformative effect of engagement with languages and cultures on wellbeing.  As an upskilling opportunity for social care staff the course has enhanced participants’ employability and the development of their leadership and digital skills; whilst care homes across Scotland have identified the provision of languages activities as a unique selling point.

Learning objectives:

• Understanding the gains of engagement with languages and cultures for older people and staff in care.
• Understanding the importance of languages for social care staff and residents with degenerative brain disease.
• Understanding the employability benefits and leadership opportunities of upskilling in this are for social care staff.

Bärbel Brash is a Staff Tutor in Languages, based at the Open University in Scotland. 
Sylvia Warnecke is a Senior Lecturer and Staff Tutor in Languages at the Open University in Scotland.