SDSU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Event Examines Perspectives on Death and Dying

What really matters at the end of life? What are the stories we tell ourselves? Do we need a new heroic narrative for death?

These will be among the topics when the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at SDSU hosts the special event “Conversations Worth Having – Being Mortal: Perspectives on Death and Dying,” Saturday, Oct. 22, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. OLLI at SDSU offers programs to curious learners age 50 and better.

At this new and interactive event, participants will watch and discuss a series of TED talks, along with a PBS documentary, “Being Mortal,” to facilitate meaningful conversation around the topic of death and dying. TED Talks are relatively short, stimulating videos (from 4-18 minutes) by some of the most engaging speakers around the world. Conversations will deal with why humans so often resist the inevitability of death, and how building design can make a difference in a humane and dignified end of life.

In the PBS Frontline documentary, New Yorker writer and Boston surgeon Atul Gawande explores the relationships doctors have with patients and questions whether the medical field – including himself – is failing the chronically ill and dying. Each screening will be followed by group discussion facilitated by Kathi Diamant, an author, speaker, teacher, broadcaster, and adjunct professor at SDSU.

Cost of the event is $19. To register or for more information, visit neverstoplearning.net/olli, call (619) 594-2863, or email osher@mail.sdsu.edu. The registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 14.

SDSU's College of Extended Studies reaches out to San Diego, the nation, and the world with a wide variety of lifelong learning opportunities, and more than 50 certificate programs for career advancement. Topics range from contract management, construction, and craft beer, to grant writing, marketing, and human resources. And many programs are available online. The CES also offers one of the largest ESL programs in the U.S. through the American Language Institute; and university-quality courses to students age 50 and better through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Other opportunities include seminars, study abroad, corporate education and access to regular SDSU classes through Open University. For more information or to register, visit neverstoplearning.net or call (619) 265-7378 (SDSU).