Saudi Gazette “The excitement of learning separates youth from old age. As long as you're learning, you're not old.” This famous saying is now being implemented by Saudi women across the Kingdom and it's not a rare sight to find a 50-year old Saudi woman sitting behind a desk inside a classroom. For women who dedicated their lives to the care of their children and other household responsibilities, this is the perfect time to resume their education. 50-year old Latifa Saad is nervous before her last mid-term exam, just like her classmates, who are 30 years younger than her.“Although I am confident in myself and how hard I studied, I think a bit of tension before tests is normal. It does not bother me that the women in my class are as young as my granddaughters. I am serious about my studies and I am just as interested in learning as the other students in my class,” said Latifa. Latifa waited until all her children graduated from high school so she could attend university. She is now a second year Islamic Law (shariah) student at Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University. Asmaa Eid, who is also 50, returned to university to obtain a second Bachelor's degree in another major. 15 years ago, Asmaa graduated with a Bachelor's degree in chemistry but her love for learning and interest in jurisprudence brought her back to the classroom. A study reported by Al-Watan newspaper showed that over 60 women between the age of 50 and 58 are full-time students at various universities in the Kingdom. In addition, over 40 percent of all students enrolled in distance learning Bachelor's degree programs are much older than the normally expected age of university students. According to the study, the fields that attracted the greatest number of elderly women are literature, languages, and Islamic education. This trend is an indicator of the advances made in women's roles in Saudi society. Such a healthy practice can even ward off depression that is very common in women at this age once their children leave home and become busy with their own lives. Shaikha Al-Ouda, a consultant in human development, said, “The decision of women to complete their education despite their old age reflects their optimal psychological, mental, and emotional health. Our society is acknowledging that learning is a life-time process and that it is never too late to learn. In the past, elderly women relied on others to help read and understand official documents, fill out important papers, and operate new technologies like sending mobile phone text messages and e-mails. Today, they can not only do all these things without any help, but can also teach other members of the community. This trend will definitely have a positive influence on our society.” Dr. Khedr Al-Qurashi, member of Shoura Council called on all universities to give admission to elderly women who want to complete their education. In his opinion, age should not be a barrier between university admissions, as long as the individual has the capability, desire, and ambition to learn. Al-Qurahsi urges those universities with certain age requirements to raise the ceiling for the age of student applications. Moreover, equal opportunities should be given to all students, regardless of age. He also encouraged the development of distance learning programs to enable more people to study.“Learning is not linked to the age of the individual, but to his/her personal thirst for education,” he said. __
