Care Home Residents Earn Qualification

A truly inspiring accomplishment is being celebrated at Glencairn Care Home in Edinburgh, as two incredible residents have successfully gained a National 2 qualification in Italian. Tom Caskie (84) and Professor Gavin McCrone (92) achieved this impressive feat following a rigorous 12-week intensive course with language specialists Lingo Flamingo. Their success is a true testament to the power of lifelong learning and the enduring idea that age is truly just a number, proving it's never too late to pursue one's passions.

Professor Gavin McCrone, 92, is not only an avid world traveller but also a retired Professor of Economics. His intellectual curiosity clearly never waned, leading him to embark on this recent linguistic pursuit with the full support of the care home staff and wellbeing team. Tom Caskie, 84, shares Professor McCrone's passion for exploring the globe, having travelled extensively throughout his life.

"It’s a remarkable milestone. For two gentlemen who have spent their lives traversing the globe, this learning journey has been a profound way for them to reconnect with their past passions."

Jozi Stables - Home Manager

When asked about his interest in Italian, Tom explained, "I've always been fascinated by cultures and languages during my travels. Learning Italian felt like a natural extension of that curiosity, especially after my extensive travels around Italy - I have fond memories of flying into Milan, travelling by car down to Brindisi and sailing across into Greece"
Professor McCrone echoed this sentiment, adding, "It was a wonderful challenge, and knowing I was learning alongside Tom made it even more enjoyable. We had a fantastic group around us that made learning that extra bit special!"

Adding Italian to his impressive repertoire, Tom has maintained a lifelong passion for languages, continually challenging himself to keep up with his past studies in Russian, German, French, and Spanish. This dedication even extends to engaging in conversations with Glencairn's bilingual staff members, keeping him in touch with active language use and the diverse cultures he has always enjoyed.

Jozi Stables, Glencairn Care Home Manager, commented on the residents' achievements: "It’s a remarkable milestone. For two gentlemen who have spent their lives traversing the globe, this learning journey has been a profound way for them to reconnect with their past passions, while simultaneously offering incredible benefits for their mental stimulation and overall wellbeing. Their dedication is truly inspiring to us all."

So, what's next for Glencairn's two newest National 2 graduates?
"My interest in Italian truly stems from the music,"  Tom enthused. "It’s a culture that is so rich in musical talents, and I’m hoping to explore more of that in the future!"

Professor McCrone agreed, reflecting on their journey: "It's opened up a whole new world for us. We're proof that you're never too old to learn, never too old to challenge yourself, and certainly never too old to say 'Salve!' to new adventures."