Teachers Learn About ‘Lifelong Living’ Issues

Mary Ann Drag is preparing a lesson that she concedes her students at Grant High School in Van Nuys may not want to hear: Everybody gets old.

The English teacher is one of three from San Fernando Valley schools taking part in “Education for the Lifespan,” an 18-month program made possible by a $150,000 grant from the Annenberg Foundation to the UCLA Center on Aging and UCLA Extension. Organizers hope the 20 Los Angeles teachers in the program will help students from grade school through continuing education become aware of “lifelong living” issues.

“Aging isn’t something a young person usually reflects on,” Drag said. “He’s never going to get old. He’s never going to retire.

“Our task is to make youngsters aware of the long, rich life they can live.”

The 20 teachers, including one each from North Hollywood and Reseda community adult schools, began the program in July with a course focusing on their own growth and aging processes as well as ideas for translating those experiences for students.

A similar course is scheduled for October, after which teachers will tackle topics in their classes ranging from how junk food affects a 70-year-old body to how often people change careers before retirement.

Drag has been choosing readings for her classes this fall. One story on the list is “The Worn Path” by Eudora Welty. There also will be excerpts from autobiographies, which she feels will help students grasp the full spectrum of life.

“I’m not sure how I’m going to manage,” Drag said with a chuckle, fully aware of typical teenage fearlessness. “But what we’re trying to say is, ‘Look at the people around you. They have a lot to offer.’ ”