By Anna Goldie, 98, from Glasgow

IT IS often said that “education is a lifelong journey” and no-one sums that maxim up more succinctly than 98-year-old adult learner Anna Goldie.

The inquisitive pensioner, from Rutherglen, has been attending classes at University of Strathclyde’s Centre for Lifelong Learning for more than 20 years … that is when she isn’t improving the golf swing of her tutors on the course at Bonnyton Golf Club, where she served as Lady’s Captain way back in 1987 at the then tender age of 68. A grandmother of three and great-grandmother of six, the retired civil servant attends weekly psychology classes at the university and loves nothing better than joining in discussion groups about current affairs.

She said: “I’m a big believer that if you don’t use it then you will lose it. As a person, I’m very restless and I like to keep moving. I need mental stimulation. If you have the ability and the mental capacity then find a niche for yourself and use them. I’ve always had a general interest in education and like playing golf and going for walks, so I see no reason to stop.

“It sometimes annoys me when people are surprised to see me around the university or in one of the classes, as if I shouldn’t be there.

“I’m active so where should I be? I get great enjoyment out of attending the classes.

“Older people can still contribute a lot to society through both their experience and through offering a different perspective on a subject.”

Anna was born in the Gorbals in 1919, her mother had fled her homeland of Lithuania due to the anti-Jewish pogroms taking place there and it is this part of her upbringing which she believes instilled in her a lifelong love of learning.

She said: “My mother was very well-read and politically conscious and she always made sure that I was also.”

Anna left school at 14 and began work at the local council, moving to the Inland Revenue then the Department of Trade and Industry.

Alix Macdonald, course head at the centre for Lifelong Learning at Strathclyde, said: “Anna is such an inspiration to all. She’s full of energy and always on the go. She’s actually giving one of our tutors golf lessons at the moment too.

“Widening access is a key part of our strategy and Anna epitomises this. Older people have a huge amount to contribute, they can offer a perspective that younger students won’t have been open to before. The benefits of elderly people enrolling in adult education are many; it breaks down social barriers whilst also giving them a boost and a new interest.”