How living in Chile led gerontology diploma student to SFU

Education does not have an age limit. As an SFU alumnus, deciding to go back to school after retiring was an easy decision for Andrea Digby.

Digby’s passion for gerontology and the aging process led her to the Post-Baccalaureate Diploma offered by the Department of Gerontology. Having first completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at SFU in 1984, Digby worked for the Royal Bank of Canada for 35 years in various roles, the most recent being the Vice President of Private Banking, before retiring in 2021.

Living in Chile sparked Digby's interest in aging

Digby lived in Chile during her formative years, where older adults were integral to the family unit. Being in this environment sparked her interest in learning about aging. She also had a close relationship with her grandfather, whom she lived with during her childhood.

Coming into the program, Digby did not have a specific goal in mind, but she was curious and open to new opportunities. Since starting the program, Digby has been involved in several projects. She has volunteered as an interviewer with SFU Urban Studies and the Hey Neighbour Collective to support healthier environments in British Columbia’s Buildings. She was a research assistant with the Aging in the Right Place project and volunteered with the Office of the Seniors Advocate to conduct interviews with older adults living in long-term care. Currently, Digby is working at the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging as an interviewer. 

Intergenerational connections

Engaging in research and working alongside younger colleagues who are also passionate about improving the lives of older adults, has inspired Digby to pursue more research opportunities in the future. The intergenerational aspect of being a part of this program has been a rewarding experience for Digby.

Throughout her time in this program, her perspective of aging has expanded. Taking classes such as Global Issues in Aging and the Sociology of Aging has challenged her to reflect on how aging affects everyone. 

“There are so many aspects to Gerontology and many opportunities to work either as a volunteer or as a career. It will challenge you educationally as well as personally. It is hard not to think about your own life, aging, mortality and your loved ones as you go through the courses.”

Studying part-time has also provided Digby with the flexibility to pursue other interests outside of school. One of her hobbies is running marathons, she likes to participate in a few races each year, whether it be half marathons or 10k runs. Between semesters, Digby enjoys staying active by training for races or travelling.

Making an impact in the community

With only three more classes until she completes the program, Digby plans to find more volunteer opportunities working with older adults. She is particularly interested in learning more about different cultural groups and the aging experience of older adults that come to Canada later in life.

"It is an amazing program ... with a supportive environment and a lot of opportunities in research and working with older adults. You will learn about your own aging process, your biases, and your family’s view of aging."

Through this program, Digby’s main takeaway is the difference people can make by either learning, volunteering, or speaking up for older adults. With a drive to make an impact, Digby hopes to continue being involved in community-engaged research initiatives after she completes the program. 

Connect with Andrea Digby at: adigby@sfu.ca.